fluvoxamine

Fluvoxamine can cause suicidal thoughts or behavior, especially in people under the age of 25. Watch for new or worsening depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior, especially during the first few months of treatment or with a dose change. Let your healthcare provider know right away if you notice any unusual changes in mood or behavior while taking this medication.

Serotonin syndrome is a rare, but potentially life-threatening condition where there's too much serotonin in the body. Your risk goes up if you use fluvoxamine with other medications that affect serotonin levels (e.g., antidepressants, lithium, triptans for migraines, St. John's wort). Tell your pharmacist about all medications and over-the-counter products you take before starting fluvoxamine so they can check for any interactions. Symptoms of too much serotonin include a fast heart rate, sweating, muscle stiffness or spasms, fever, and confusion. Tell your healthcare provider or get medical help right away if you have any of these symptoms.

Fluvoxamine can interact with a lot of medications. Some interactions can lead to serious, life-threatening heart problems. Make sure your healthcare provider and pharmacist know all medications you take from all providers before starting fluvoxamine, so you can avoid this and other serious medication interactions.

Many antidepressants, including fluvoxamine, can cause changes to the eyes. These changes are usually minor and don't affect most people. However, if you have narrow angle glaucoma, fluvoxamine can worsen your eye condition. If you notice any changes to your vision while taking fluvoxamine, let your provider and eye care professional know right away.

Stopping fluvoxamine suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, anxiety, agitation, flu-like symptoms, trouble sleeping, and dizziness. Your provider will help you stop fluvoxamine safely and slowly over time. Don't try to stop fluvoxamine on your own and without the supervision of a healthcare provider.

Fluvoxamine can raise your risk of bleeding or bruising, especially if you're also taking aspirin, NSAIDs, or blood thinners. Tell your healthcare provider about any bruising that doesn't improve, or if you have black-colored stools, pink or red urine, or unusual bleeding from the nose or gums. If you're on blood thinners, your provider might recommend a change in your dose.

Sometimes, depression is the first symptom of bipolar disorder. Treating someone who has bipolar disorder with an antidepressant can cause a manic episode (great excitement, euphoria, delusions, and overactivity). This is more likely to happen in people who are at higher risk of bipolar disorder. Your provider will discuss your history and possible symptoms of bipolar disorder before starting you on fluvoxamine.

Although it's rare to get seizures while taking fluvoxamine, it's still a possibility. If you have a history of seizures or are more prone to getting seizures, let your healthcare provider know before starting this medication.

In some very rare cases, fluvoxamine can cause low sodium levels in the blood. You might need to have regular blood tests done while taking fluvoxamine to make sure the sodium in your blood stays at a normal level. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you experience weakness, confusion, difficulty concentrating, headache, or memory problems while taking this medication.