Fluvoxamine for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Anxiety Support

What Fluvoxamine Is and How It Works

Fluvoxamine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It is used for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in adults and, where approved, in pediatric patients. Clinicians may also use it for related anxiety disorders based on individual needs. It is supplied as fluvoxamine maleate in immediate-release tablets and, in some markets, extended-release (ER) capsules. If you are comparing Fluvoxamine cost and formulation options, CanadianInsulin is a prescription referral service. Prescriptions are verified with your clinic, and orders are filled by licensed Canadian pharmacies. Our vetted partners supply authentic medications with a broad selection and value-focused pricing.

Fluvoxamine increases serotonin in the synaptic space by blocking its reuptake. This supports balanced neurotransmission involved in mood, anxiety, and compulsive symptoms. Immediate-release tablets are often taken at bedtime due to somnolence. ER capsules are designed for once-daily dosing. Fluvoxamine dosage varies by age, response, tolerability, and formulation.

Dosage and Usage

• Adults, immediate-release: common start is 50 mg at bedtime. Increase by 50 mg every 4–7 days as tolerated.
• Typical adult range is 100–300 mg per day. Split doses if above 100 mg per day. Maximum is usually 300 mg daily.
• Pediatric patients: lower starting doses, such as 25 mg at bedtime, with gradual titration. Many do not exceed 200 mg daily.
• Extended-release (ER): common start is 100 mg at bedtime. Increase by 50 mg at weekly intervals as needed, up to 300 mg daily.
• Some individualized doses (for example, 75 mg or 200 mg) may be used by combining strengths under clinician guidance.
• Take with or without food. ER capsules must be swallowed whole and not crushed or chewed.
• If a dose is missed, take it when remembered unless it is near the next dose. Do not double doses.
• Do not stop suddenly. Tapering helps reduce discontinuation symptoms like dizziness or irritability.
• Avoid use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Allow proper washout periods per prescribing guidance.

• Store tablets or capsules at 20–25°C (68–77°F), protected from moisture.
• Keep in the original labeled container and out of reach of children.
• For travel, carry medication in your hand luggage with a copy of your prescription.
• Avoid excessive heat in cars or direct sunlight.
• Maintain a consistent dosing schedule when crossing time zones; coordinate timing with your prescriber.

Benefits and Savings

Fluvoxamine helps reduce intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors in OCD, and it may ease associated anxiety. Many patients find steady relief as dosing is optimized, with once-daily ER options for convenience. The generic formulation supports accessibility across a range of strengths, helping clinicians tailor therapy.

Many customers save 60–80% vs typical U.S. prices. If you compare Fluvoxamine price across strengths or consider ER options, CanadianInsulin offers transparent selection and support. See our Fluvoxamine coupons page for current offers if available. Those looking for Fluvoxamine for sale online can order with a valid prescription and select the dose their prescriber recommends.

Side Effects and Safety

• Nausea, upset stomach, or diarrhea
• Drowsiness or fatigue
• Insomnia or vivid dreams
• Headache or dizziness
• Dry mouth or sweating
• Decreased appetite or weight change
• Sexual dysfunction (e.g., decreased libido)

Serious risks include serotonin syndrome, increased bleeding risk (especially with NSAIDs, aspirin, or anticoagulants), hyponatremia, seizures, mania/hypomania in bipolar disorder, angle-closure glaucoma, and rare severe skin reactions. Avoid MAOIs, thioridazine, and pimozide. Fluvoxamine is a strong CYP1A2 inhibitor; serious interactions include tizanidine and ramelteon, and increased levels of theophylline, caffeine, clozapine, and warfarin. Review all medications with your clinician.

Onset Time

Some improvement in sleep or anxiety may appear within 1–2 weeks. Reduction in intrusive thoughts and compulsions often requires several weeks. Many patients see meaningful benefit by weeks 4–6, with full effects sometimes taking 8–12 weeks as dosing is adjusted. Continue as prescribed, since steady dosing supports consistent symptom control.

Compare With Alternatives

Fluvoxamine shares its SSRI class with escitalopram and fluoxetine. Escitalopram is available as the brand Cipralex® and as generic escitalopram. It often has a favorable tolerability profile and once-daily dosing. You can compare options like Escitalopram alongside your prescriber’s guidance.

Fluoxetine, known by the brand Prozac®, is another SSRI with a long half-life and once-daily dosing. This can ease missed-dose issues for some patients. See our generic option here: Fluoxetine. Compared with these, fluvoxamine may be more sedating for some and has more CYP1A2/2C19 interactions, which can influence drug selection.

The branded version of fluvoxamine is Luvox® (including ER in some markets). Generic fluvoxamine maleate offers the same active ingredient, often at lower cost, which can support long-term treatment adherence.

Combination Therapy

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), including exposure and response prevention (ERP), is commonly combined with fluvoxamine for OCD.
• Short-term benzodiazepines may be used during initiation for acute anxiety, with careful tapering to avoid dependence.
• Augmentation strategies for partial response can include certain atypical antipsychotics, per specialist guidance.
• Avoid combining with other serotonergic agents unless directed, due to serotonin syndrome risk.
• Review all over-the-counter agents and supplements (e.g., St. John’s wort) for interactions.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Fluvoxamine may suit adults or pediatric patients needing SSRI therapy for OCD, including those who benefit from bedtime dosing or ER convenience. It may not be appropriate for people using MAOIs, thioridazine, or pimozide, or those with unstable seizures, significant liver disease, uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma, or known hypersensitivity to fluvoxamine.

Use caution in patients with bipolar disorder, bleeding risks, low sodium history, or those on interacting medications (e.g., tizanidine, theophylline, warfarin, clozapine). Pregnancy and lactation require individualized risk–benefit discussion. Regular follow-up helps assess response, titration needs, and side effects.

To manage treatment and budget, consider generic fluvoxamine maleate, discuss multi-month supplies, and align refills with clinic follow-ups. These steps can reduce interruptions and increase value over time. CanadianInsulin supports secure checkout, clear documentation, and responsive order status updates.

Authoritative Sources

Manufacturer information for Luvox CR (brand fluvoxamine)

Health Canada Drug Product Database

FDA Prescribing Information: Fluvoxamine Maleate

Order fluvoxamine from CanadianInsulin: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold-chain handling.

This material is educational and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your licensed healthcare provider for personalized guidance.