INTRODUCTION

FLUVOXIN 100MG contains Fluvoxamine which belongs to a group of medicines called selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRI). It is used to treat depression (major depressive episode). It can also treat people who have obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Obsessive compulsive disorder is characterized by recurrent and persistent thoughts, impulses or images (obsessions) that are repetitive and other intentional behaviors that are recognized as excessive or unreasonable.Fluvoxamine works by inhibiting the uptake of serotonin, a neurotransmitter, from the spaces between nerve cells following its release. Therefore, there is more serotonin available in the spaces to attach to other nerves and stimulate them. Always take FLUVOXIN 100MG exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not chew or crush this medicine. Swallow the medicine whole. It is not recommended for use in the children under 18 years of age. Consult your doctor for advice if you experiance any changes in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings during this medication.

THERAPEUTIC USES OF FLUVOXIN 100MG

• Depression (major depressive episode)

• Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

HOW FLUVOXIN 100MG WORKS

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors affect the neurotransmitters, the chemicals that nerves in the brain used to communicate with each other. Neurotransmitters are released by nerves, travel across the spaces between them and then attach to receptors on other nerves. This medicine works by inhibiting the uptake of serotonin, a neurotransmitter, from the spaces between nerve cells following its release. Therefore, there is more serotonin available in the spaces to attach to other nerves and stimulate them which helps to alter and lighten the mood.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Always take fluvoxamine tablets exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not chew or crush this medicine. Swallow the medicine as a whole.

SIDE EFFECTS OF FLUVOXIN 100MG

SERIOUS

• Serotonin syndrome - sweating, muscle stiffness or spasms, instability, confusion, irritability or extreme agitation

• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome - stiff muscles, high temperature, confusion and other related symptoms

• feeling tired, weak or confused and have achy, stiff or uncontrolled muscles

COMMON

• headache

• diarrhea, nausea, vomiting

• dizziness

• agitation, anxiety

• constipation

• difficulty sleeping

• dry mouth

• faster heartbeat

• feeling drowsy (lethargy)

• indigestion

• loss of appetite

• nervousness, tremor, muscle weakness (asthenia)

• stomach pain

• sweating

RARE

• convulsions

• liver complaints

• mania (a feeling of elation or over-excitement)

• sensitivity to sunlight

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Nausea and vomiting:

Keep try taking this medicine with, or just after, a meal or snack and stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy food.

Headache:

Rest and drink plenty of fluids. Apply a cold, wet cloth or ice pack to your forehead. Rest in a quiet, comfortable, dark room.

Stomach pain:

Try to rest and relax. You can eat and drink slowly or have frequent meals. Keeping a heat pad or a covered hot water pack on your stomach may also help. If still pain persists, speak to your doctor.

Constipation:

Eat fiber rich foods such as fresh fruit, vegetables and cereals, and drink plenty of water. Excercise more regularly.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

PREGNANCY

FLUVOXIN 100MG is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

BREASTFEEDING

FLUVOXIN 100MG is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

DRIVING AND USING MACHINES

Do not drive or operate any machines if you feel sleepy while taking this medicine.

ALCOHOL

Consumption of alcohol is not recommended during treatment with this medicine.

KIDNEY

This medicine should be taken with caution in patients with severe kidney disease. Consult your doctor for advice.

LIVER

This medicine should be taken with caution in patients with severe liver disease. Consult your doctor for advice.

ALLERGY

If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to this medicine or any other ingredients in this medicine.

HEART DISEASE

This medicine should be taken with caution in patients with heart disease. Consult your doctor for advice.

INTERACTIONS

Tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription or the following:

• aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) or aspirin-like medicines, used to treat pain and inflammation (arthritis)

• ciclosporin, used to reduce the activity of the immune system

• methadone, used to treat pain and withdrawal symptoms

• mexiletine, used to treat abnormal heart rhythms

• phenytoin or carbamazepine, used to treat epilepsy

• propranolol, used to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions

• ropinirole, for Parkinson’s disease

• other medicine used for depression

• medicines used to treat migraine

• terfenadine, used to treat allergies