Let's learn about the drug Fluvoxamine (How does it help with OCD?)

Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed by unwanted thoughts? Or do you feel like you have to do the same thing over and over again? This condition is called Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) . This is a mental health condition. But the good news is that there are effective medications that can help. Today we are going to talk about one such drug, Fluvoxamine .

What kind of medicine is Fluvoxamine?

Simply put, Fluvoxamine is a medication that helps control your OCD condition. It belongs to a class of drugs called SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor). Our brains contain a chemical called Serotonin . This is very important in controlling our mood. In conditions like OCD, there can be some changes in the levels of this serotonin.

Fluvoxamine works by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain and improving communication between nerve cells. This can help control your stress, unwanted thoughts, and reactions. Sometimes, doctors may also prescribe this medication for other mental conditions.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

Before starting fluvoxamine, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Because we need to be very careful when using this medicine with certain medical conditions. Be sure to tell us about these things in particular:

• If you or someone in your family has bipolar disorder: SSRI medications can sometimes worsen bipolar disorder, so it's important to be aware of this.
• Bleeding conditions: Tell us if you have a blood clotting problem or other bleeding disorder.
• Glaucoma: This medicine may affect people with this condition, which causes increased eye pressure.
• Heart disease, liver disease, or thyroid problems: If you have any chronic conditions like these, it is important for your doctor to be aware of them.
• If you have low blood sodium levels: Be aware that this medicine may further lower your sodium levels.
• Seizures: If you have had a seizure before, tell us about it.
• Suicidal thoughts: If you or someone in your family has had suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts in the past, talk to your doctor honestly about it.
• Other medications you are taking: Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking blood thinners (e.g., Warfarin), or MAOI medications (these are an older class of medications used for mental illness).
• If you are trying to conceive, are pregnant, or are a nursing mother: In these cases, you should consult your doctor before using medication.
• Other Allergies: Tell us if you have any allergies to Fluvoxamine or any other medicine, food, or dye.

How should I use the medicine?

This medication comes as an extended-release capsule, so keep these things in mind.

• Take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the right time. Swallow it whole with a glass of water.
• Never break, crush, or chew the capsule. Doing so may release the medicine into the body at once and increase side effects.
• You can take this with or without food. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take two doses at once for any reason .
• You may not feel better immediately after taking the medicine. It may take several weeks to feel completely better. So don't worry and continue taking the medicine.

What to do if you take too much medicine?

If you suspect you have taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.

Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)

Fluvoxamine can interact with other medications, herbal products, and alcohol. So tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are taking.

Additionally, this medication may interact with pain relievers ( NSAIDS - e.g., Ibuprofen, Naproxen), aspirin, other blood thinners, migraine medications, other psychiatric medications, sleeping pills, alcohol, and some herbal products (such as St. John's Wort). So it's best to tell your doctor about everything you're taking.

Things to be careful about when taking medicine

• Mood changes: Be very careful if you or someone in your family has a worsening mood or suicidal thoughts, especially when you first start taking the medication or when the dosage is changed. Also, if you notice any serious changes, such as extreme restlessness, agitation, irritability, or trouble sleeping, call your doctor right away.
• Drowsiness and dizziness: This medication may make you feel drowsy or dizzy. Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how this medication affects you.
• Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can make drowsiness and dizziness worse. Therefore, it is best to avoid alcohol completely while taking this medication.
• Dry mouth: Dry mouth is a common side effect. This can be managed by chewing sugar-free gum and drinking plenty of water.

Possible side effects of the medicine

Like all medicines, Fluvoxamine can cause side effects. Some of these are serious, while others are common.

Fluvoxamine, OCD, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, SSRI, Serotonin, Mental Health, OCD Medication, Serotonin