Fluvoxamine Uses

Fluvoxamine is used to treat adults and children with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This is a mental health condition in which there are excessive unwanted thoughts (obsessions) that lead to repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Fluvoxamine is also used to treat social anxiety disorder, a mental health condition in which everyday social interactions cause irrational anxiety. 

There may be other uses of fluvoxamine, such as to treat depression—your pharmacist or doctor can give you further drug information.

Fluvoxamine Mechanism of Action

Fluvoxamine works by increasing the amount of serotonin, a neurotransmitter (natural chemical) in the brain that helps to regulate mental balance.

Fluvoxamine Doses

Fluvoxamine maleate tablets come in strengths of 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg. The extended-release capsules come in strengths of 100 mg and 150 mg. 

The recommended starting dose of fluvoxamine in adults is 50 mg once a day at bedtime. This can be increased by 50 mg every 4-7 days. The maintenance dose in adults ranges between 100 mg and 300 mg per day in a single dose or divided doses. The maximum fluvoxamine dose in adults is 300 mg per day. 

The typical starting dose of the extended-release capsules is 100 mg once a day, which can be increased by 50 mg at weekly intervals, up to a maximum of 300 mg per day in adults.

The recommended starting dose of fluvoxamine in children between the ages of 8 and 17 years is 25 mg once a day at bedtime. This can be increased by 25 mg every 4-7 days. The maintenance dose is 25 to 200 mg orally per day (8 to 11 years) and 25 to 300 mg orally per day (11 to 17 years). The maximum dose of fluvoxamine is 200 mg/day (8-11 years) or 300 mg/day (12-17 years).