Archive 1995–2023

Fluvoxamine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) of the longest duration of use. It was first registered in Europe for treatment of depression in 1983 preceding registration of fluoxetine in the United States by 4 years. A number of randomized clinical studies confirmed the efficacy of fluvoxamine in treatment of depression including severe depressive episodes as well as in prophylactic treatment of unipolar affective disorder. Fluvoxamine is also effective in obsessive-compulsive disorder, social phobia and panic disorder. Its usefulness in treatment of obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders and as an adjunct medication in schizophrenia needs confirmation in further studies. Fluvoxamine is generally well tolerated but may cause side effects similar to other SSRI’s. Some like sexual dysfunction are less common. Main pharmacokinetic interactions (among other with clozapine) are related to the fact, that fluvoxamine is a potent inhibitor of cytochrome P450 CYP1A2.