Fluvoxamine maleate

If you suffer from seizures, use this medication cautiously. If you experience a seizure while taking fluvoxamine, stop taking the drug and call your doctor immediately.

If you have a history of mania (excessively energetic, out-of-control behavior), use this medication cautiously.

If you have liver disease, your doctor will adjust the dosage.

Fluvoxamine may cause you to become drowsy or less alert and may affect your judgment. Therefore, avoid driving, operating dangerous machinery, or participating in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness until you know your reaction to this medication.

Fluvoxamine can also deplete the body's supply of salt, especially in older adults and people who take diuretics or suffer from dehydration. Under these conditions, your doctor will check your salt levels regularly.

If you develop a rash or hives, or any other allergic-type reaction, notify your physician immediately.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Fluvoxamine maleate

Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication. If you smoke, be sure to tell your doctor before starting fluvoxamine therapy, as your dosage may need adjustment.

If fluvoxamine is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining fluvoxamine with the following:

• Anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin
• Antidepressant medications such as amitriptyline, clomipramine, and imipramine, as well as the MAO inhibitors phenelzine and tranylcypromine
• Blood pressure medications known as beta blockers, including Inderal and Lopressor
• Carbamazepine
• Clozapine
• Diltiazem
• Lithium
• Methadone
• Mexiletine
• Phenytoin
• Pimozide
• Quinidine
• Sumatriptan
• Tacrine
• Theophylline
• Thioridazine
• Tranquilizers and sedatives such as alprazolam, diazepam, midazolam, and triazolam
• Tryptophan

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of fluvoxamine in pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, consult your doctor immediately. Fluvoxamine passes into breast milk and may cause serious reactions in a nursing baby. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment with fluvoxamine is finished.