Q:  What is fluvoxamine?

A:  Fluvoxamine belongs to the class of medicines known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. Fluvoxamine is a generic medicine for treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD.

Q:  Is there any recent news and updates about fluvoxamine?

A:  US Food and Drug Administration released two alerts linked to fluvoxamine in July 2006. The first FDA warning declared the results of a study about the use of antidepressant medicines during pregnancy by mothers of babies born with severe condition known as persisten pulmonary hypertension of the newborn or PPHN.

The second alert issued by FDA stated that there is a life-threatening condition known as serotonin syndrome can happen when the SSRI like fluvoxamine and medicines for treatment of migraine headaches called 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor agonists or triptans are taken simultaneously.

For several years, FDA worked closely with the producers of all antidepressants in the market such as fluvoxamine to assess completely the probably risks of suicidality in children, adolescents, and adults who are treated with these medications.

Q:  Who should not take fluvoxamine?

A:  You should avoid taking fluvoxamine if you are taking another medicine for antidepression which is known as Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor or MAOI, or if you have discontinued taking MAOI within the last 14 days. Taking these two medicines close in time may result to severe and sometimes even fatal reactions which includes high body temperature, seizures or convulsions, and coma.

Q: Is there any serious health risks linked with fluvoxamine?

A:  Dangerous side effects may happen if you discontinue taking fluvoxamine abruptly.  Your healthcare provider should gradually reduce your dose when it is needed. Other probable risks of using fluvoxamine may include increased risk of having suicidal thoughts or actions, bleeding problems, seizures, mania, and sexual problems. There are also higher risks if you are taking fluvoxamine while you are or may be pregnant.

Q:  Is there any side effects linked with fluvoxamine?

A:  side effects associated with the use of fluvoxamine are as follows:

• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Upset stomach
• Nervousness
• Sleeping problems like difficulty in sleeping
• Shakiness
• Weakness
• Sweating
• Reduced appetite

Q:  What should I tell my healthcare provider before he/she prescribes fluvoxamine?

A:  It is essential to notify your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, particularly if you have some liver and kidney problems or glaucoma. Inform also your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed your baby.

Q:  Can other medications or foods affect fluvoxamine?

A:  It is essential to inform your healthcare provider about all your prescription and non-prescription medications, herbal supplements, and vitamins that you took or are taking. Medicines for special concerns like benzodiazepines that treat anxiety, Mextil used to treat heartbeat problems, theophylline for asthma, and Warfarin used to treat blood clots. Discuss with your healthcare provider if you re planning to drink alcohol while taking fluvoxamine.

Q:  What should I do if I think I have been injured as a consequence of taking fluvoxamine?

A:  If you or any of your members of the family may have experienced any harmful symptoms associated with the use of fluvoxamine, you must contact your doctor or the healthcare provider. Then, you may also use an experienced lawyer to discuss your legal options and safeguard your legal rights to remedy for any injury caused by the fluvoxamine.

Q: What should I do if I think I have been injured as a result of taking fluvoxamine?

A: If you or a loved one have experienced any dangerous symptoms or unusual medical conditions related to fluvoxamine use, you should first contact your doctor or other healthcare professional. You may also wish to meet with an experienced attorney to discuss your options and to protect your right to a legal remedy for any injuries caused by fluvoxamine use.