Fluvoxamine (Luvox®) for Depression, OCD, and Anxiety

What Fluvoxamine Is and How It Works

Fluvoxamine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant used for depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It is the maleate salt, available as immediate-release tablets and extended-release (ER) capsules. If you are comparing fluvoxamine cost and options, this page outlines uses, dosing, safety, and ways to save. Fluvoxamine maleate increases serotonin levels by blocking its reuptake in the brain. This effect can reduce intrusive thoughts, compulsions, and depressive symptoms.

In Canada, fluvoxamine is indicated for depression and OCD. Many clinicians also use this SSRI fluvoxamine for related anxiety disorders. The ER form allows once-daily dosing, while immediate-release tablets may be taken once or twice daily. Common tablet strengths include 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg; ER capsules are often 100 mg and 150 mg. Brand Luvox® and generic versions are available. YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy in Manitoba, and our pharmacists review prescriptions before dispensing. We offer brand and generic medicines at Canadian prices, with helpful customer-service chat during posted office hours.

We source through licensed, vetted partner pharmacies to ensure authentic brands and a wide selection at affordable pricing. You can order fluvoxamine online, and we also carry related OTC health products.

Dosage and Usage

Follow your prescriber’s instructions for fluvoxamine dosage. Typical adult regimens are below for context.

• Depression (adults): Start 50 mg once daily at bedtime. Increase by 50 mg every 4–7 days as tolerated. Usual range is 100–200 mg/day. Maximum is 300 mg/day in divided doses, or once nightly if using ER.
• OCD (adults): Start 50 mg once daily at bedtime. Titrate by 50 mg increments every 4–7 days. Typical target is 100–230 mg/day. Maximum 300 mg/day.
• Pediatrics (OCD, where approved): Lower starting doses are used, such as fluvoxamine maleate 25 mg (or Luvox 25 mg), with gradual titration under specialist care.
• ER capsules: Often taken once nightly. Do not crush or chew ER capsules.
• Hepatic impairment or older adults: Lower initial doses and slower titration are common.
• Missed dose: Take when remembered unless it is near the next dose. Do not double up.
• Discontinuation: Tapering helps reduce withdrawal symptoms. Sudden stops may cause dizziness, irritability, and sleep changes.

Storage and travel:

• Store tablets and capsules at room temperature (15–30°C or 59–86°F), dry, and away from direct light.
• Keep in the original container with the label.
• When you travel, pack enough supply in your carry-on. Bring a copy of your prescription.
• Avoid heat and moisture; do not store in the bathroom.

Benefits and Savings

Fluvoxamine used for OCD can help reduce obsessions and compulsions and improve daily function. As an antidepressant fluvoxamine may improve mood, sleep, appetite, and energy in major depressive disorder. The ER option supports once-daily dosing, which may aid adherence.

Buying from a Canadian pharmacy can lower your fluvoxamine price compared with typical US rates. Many patients see 60–80% savings. Even if you know your fluvoxamine cost with insurance, cross-border pricing may still be more affordable, especially for multi-month supplies. YouDrugstore offers secure checkout, US shipping, and helpful support. Reorder reminders can help you stay on schedule. Bulk promotions can reduce the per-month cost.

Side Effects and Safety

Not everyone experiences side effects, and many are mild and short-lived. Seek urgent care for serious reactions.

• Common: nausea, upset stomach, sleepiness, insomnia, headache, dizziness, dry mouth, sweating, tremor, decreased appetite, sexual dysfunction.
• Less common: agitation, nervousness, weight changes, rash, blurred vision, constipation or diarrhea.
• Serious: serotonin syndrome (agitation, fever, stiff muscles, confusion), suicidal thoughts (especially in young people), seizures, severe bleeding, severe allergic reaction, mania or hypomania in bipolar disorder, hyponatremia (low sodium), angle-closure glaucoma.
• Interactions: Do not combine with MAOIs, linezolid, or IV methylene blue. Fluvoxamine strongly inhibits CYP1A2 and 2C19 and can raise levels of theophylline, tizanidine, clozapine, warfarin, some benzodiazepines, and caffeine. Review all medicines and supplements with a pharmacist.
• Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding require individualized risk–benefit assessment.

See our article on Drug Interactions The Top Interactions That Should Be On Your Radar for general guidance, and speak with a clinician about your specific regimen.

Onset Time

Some people notice better sleep or reduced anxiety within 1–2 weeks. Mood and OCD symptoms often need more time. A fair trial of fluvoxamine for depression and anxiety is usually 4–6 weeks or longer, with OCD sometimes needing 6–12 weeks to judge benefit. Dose adjustments may be needed for an adequate trial. For more details, review How Long Does Luvox Take To Work.

Compare With Alternatives

Escitalopram (brand Cipralex®/Lexapro) is another SSRI often chosen for depression and generalized anxiety. It tends to be well tolerated. You can compare with Cipralex® Lexapro if your prescriber suggests escitalopram.

Venlafaxine XR is an SNRI that affects both serotonin and norepinephrine, and may help when SSRIs are not enough. It is usually once daily and can be activating. See Venlafaxine Xr for details.

Phenelzine (brand Nardil®) is an MAOI used for treatment-resistant depression and some anxiety disorders. It can be effective but needs strict dietary and drug-interaction precautions. Learn more at Nardil®.

Compared with these, fluvoxamine has strong evidence in OCD and is a reasonable antidepressant option. It is also known for notable drug-interaction potential, which may guide selection.

Combination Therapy

Many patients benefit from combined treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy with exposure and response prevention (ERP) is effective for OCD and pairs well with fluvoxamine. Psychotherapy for Depression and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can also improve outcomes. Short-term use of a sleep aid or anxiolytic may be considered during initiation, with careful monitoring for interactions and sedation. Augmentation strategies for partial response in OCD may include low-dose antipsychotics, under specialist supervision. Never combine with MAOIs, and always review the full medication list for interactions.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Fluvoxamine may suit adults with OCD or depression who prefer an SSRI with a defined track record. It may also fit those who need an ER option. It may not fit those with significant liver impairment, a history of mania, or those needing medicines that strongly interact with fluvoxamine. Discuss risks and benefits with a clinician.

To control costs, choose generic fluvoxamine for sale when appropriate. Larger fills such as 90-day supplies can lower per-month costs, and our bulk promotions may offer a fluvoxamine discount. We also provide gentle reorder reminders so you do not run out. For current offers and bulk options, see fluvoxamine coupons.

If you need background on safe combinations, our article on Drug Interactions The Top Interactions That Should Be On Your Radar may help. If OCD or depression coexists with social anxiety or PTSD, ask your prescriber about tailored plans across related conditions such as Social Anxiety Disorder and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Some people ask about luvox medication versus alternatives in terms of luvox tablets convenience, luvox and depression outcomes, or ER options. The choice often depends on past response, side-effect patterns, and interaction risk. Those factors usually outweigh small differences in fluvoxamine er price.

Authoritative Sources

Health Canada product information for Fluvoxamine Maleate

FDA Prescribing Information for Luvox

FDA Label for Luvox CR (extended-release)

You can order from YouDrugstore with confidence. We are a licensed Canadian pharmacy that meets Canadian pharmacy standards, and our pharmacists review prescriptions for safety before dispensing. Count on friendly support and prompt, express, cold-chain shipping.

This content is for general information. It does not replace medical advice. Always consult a qualified professional for diagnosis, treatment, and individualized dosing.