Fluvoxamine Dosages for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Your GoodRx Guide

Fluvoxamine (Luvox) is an antidepressant that's considered a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). But unlike other SSRIs, fluvoxamine is only approved for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It comes in immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (ER) forms.

If you or your child is prescribed fluvoxamine, you'll typically start with a low dose and work your way up. Here's what a typical fluvoxamine dosage might look like, plus steps you should take if you miss your dose.

Fluvoxamine dosage forms

Fluvoxamine comes in IR tablets and ER capsules. Here are the available doses for each form:

• IR tablets: 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg

• ER capsules: 100 mg and 150 mg

Fluvoxamine IR tablets are typically taken twice daily. Since fluvoxamine ER capsules release the medication more slowly, they're typically taken once daily at bedtime.

Many fluvoxamine IR tablets are scored down the middle. You can cut these tablets in half, if needed. But you shouldn't open, chew, or crush fluvoxamine ER capsules, since this can change how the medication is released in your body.

What's the typical fluvoxamine dosage for adults?

For the IR tablets, the typical starting fluvoxamine dosage for adults is 50 mg at bedtime. Depending on how you respond and tolerate the medication, your prescriber may increase your dose by 50 mg every 4 to 7 days. The maximum dosage is 300 mg daily. Doses higher than 100 mg are typically divided into smaller doses that are taken twice daily. This can help reduce side effects.

For the ER capsules, the typical starting fluvoxamine dosage for adults is 100 mg at bedtime. Similar to the IR tablets, your dose may be increased by 50 mg on a weekly basis. The maximum dosage is also 300 mg daily.

What's the typical fluvoxamine dosage for children?

Only the fluvoxamine IR tablets are approved for use in children ages 8 to 17. The typical starting fluvoxamine dosage for children is 25 mg at bedtime. Your prescriber may increase the dose by 25 mg every 4 to 7 days, depending on how your child responds to the medication.

Daily doses greater than 50 mg are often split into smaller, twice-daily doses. Splitting the dose can help minimize side effects. The maximum recommended daily dosage depends on the child's age. For children ages 8 to 11, the maximum dosage is 200 mg daily. For adolescents ages 12 to 17 years, the maximum dosage is 300 mg daily.

Fluvoxamine ER capsules have not been studied in children. Your child's prescriber may consider the risks and benefits of using this formulation.

Are there any dosage adjustments for health conditions?

You may need your fluvoxamine dosage adjusted if you're age 65 or older, or if you have liver problems. That's because in both of these situations, your body may not be able to clear fluvoxamine as well, raising the risk of side effects.

The manufacturer doesn't recommend specific dosage adjustments in these groups. But your prescriber may have you take a lower starting dose. And from there, your dose may be increased more gradually.

What happens if you miss a dose of fluvoxamine?

If you miss a dose of fluvoxamine, take it as soon as you remember. But if it's almost time for your next dose, don't take two doses at the same time. Skip the missed dose and continue with your regularly scheduled dose.

If you've missed several doses, you may experience withdrawal symptoms (called antidepressant discontinuation syndrome). This can include flu-like symptoms, headache, and trouble sleeping. So, it's a good idea to get back on schedule as soon as possible.

There are tools available if you have trouble remembering to take any of your medications. You could try using a medication reminder app on your smartphone or setting a daily alarm.

What should you do if you take too much fluvoxamine?

Taking too much fluvoxamine can put you at risk of potentially serious side effects. These can include high blood pressure, seizures, and QT prolongation (a type of abnormal heart rhythm).

You're also at risk of serotonin syndrome if you take too much fluvoxamine. Symptoms include tremor (shakiness), sweating, and a fast heartbeat. Your risk may also be higher if you take fluvoxamine with other medications that can cause serotonin syndrome. Certain other antidepressants and migraine medications are a few examples.

If you or your child may have taken too much fluvoxamine, contact your healthcare team right away. You can also contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance. Go to the nearest ER if your symptoms feel severe or life-threatening.

How to save on fluvoxamine

There are ways to save on fluvoxamine, which is available as generic products. With free GoodRx discounts, you could save over 60% off the average retail price of generic fluvoxamine. At certain pharmacies, the price is as low as $31.56 for the IR tablets and $43.01 for the ER capsules.