Skip to main content
Medically Approved

Fluvoxamine oral tablet dosage: A detailed guide

twitter share buttonfacebook share buttonlinkedin share buttonemail article button
Form and strengthsDosageFAQHow it's takenCouponOverdoseAsk your doctorBoxed warning
Doctors prescribe fluvoxamine oral tablet to treat obsessions and compulsions in people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). You take it by mouth once or twice per day.
Medically reviewed by Michael Rio, PharmD
Updated on

This article describes fluvoxamine oral tablet’s dosages and strengths and details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for fluvoxamine. If you want to know more about fluvoxamine oral tablet, talk with your doctor.

Fluvoxamine oral tablet is a generic version of the brand-name drug Luvox. Fluvoxamine also comes as an extended-release capsule taken by mouth. (“Extended release” means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.) But that form isn’t described in this article. To learn more about fluvoxamine extended-release capsule, talk with your doctor.

Boxed warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors

Fluvoxamine has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

See the end of this article for more information about this warning.

Need a diagnosis or prescription quickly? For certain health conditions, Optum Perks offers personalized on-demand care with no appointment required. For $25, answer a few questions online and receive a diagnosis and treatment plan from a board certified healthcare professional in 15 minutes or less. Get started here.

Form and strengths of fluvoxamine

Fluvoxamine oral tablet comes as follows:

  • Form: oral tablet, which you’ll take by swallowing
  • Strengths: 25 milligrams (mg), 50 mg, 100 mg

Dosage of fluvoxamine

This article describes the recommended dosages for fluvoxamine oral tablet. The drugmaker provides these dosages.

If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of fluvoxamine oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation.

Usual recommended dosages of fluvoxamine in adults

Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of fluvoxamine oral tablet. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of fluvoxamine oral tablet that gives the desired outcome.

The usual recommended dosages of fluvoxamine for OCD in adults are:

  • Starting dosage: 50 mg once daily at bedtime
  • Maintenance dosage: based on individual need
  • Maximum dosage: 300 mg per day

The drugmaker recommends that dosages greater than 100 mg should be divided into two separate doses.

Dosages of fluvoxamine in children

Fluvoxamine is approved to treat OCD in children ages 8 years and older.

The usual recommended dosages of fluvoxamine for OCD in children are:

  • Starting dosage: 25 mg once daily at bedtime
  • Maintenance dosage: based on individual need
  • Maximum dosage: 200 mg per day (for children ages 8 to 11 years) or 300 mg per day (for children ages 12 years and older)

The drugmaker recommends that dosages greater than 50 mg should be divided into two separate doses.

Dosage adjustments for fluvoxamine

Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of fluvoxamine oral tablet based on several factors. These include:

  • the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
  • your age
  • how well your liver works
  • other health conditions you may have
  • whether you’re taking other medications that may interact with fluvoxamine
  • whether you experience side effects

Missed dose of fluvoxamine

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of fluvoxamine oral tablet. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.

For tips on how to plan your doses of fluvoxamine oral tablet and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:

  • downloading a reminder app on your phone
  • setting an alarm
  • putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about fluvoxamine oral tablet and its dosage.

Can fluvoxamine be used for anxiety or depression? If so, what is the dosage?

Fluvoxamine is not FDA approved to treat anxiety or depression. Studies have shown the possibility of taking fluvoxamine to treat both anxiety and depression. Doctors may prescribe fluvoxamine off-label to treat anxiety or depression.

Off-label use” is when a drug is prescribed to treat a condition other than its approved uses.

If you have questions about the use of fluvoxamine for anxiety or depression, talk with your doctor.

Is fluvoxamine taken long term?

Yes, doctors typically prescribe fluvoxamine oral tablet as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.

If you have questions about how long you should take fluvoxamine oral tablet, talk with your doctor.

How fluvoxamine is taken

You’ll swallow fluvoxamine oral tablet once or twice per day. Fluvoxamine may be taken with or without food.

Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.

If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.

Be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.

Fluvoxamine coupon

Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for fluvoxamine when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.

Pill bottle with text 'Starts at $4'

Free prescription coupons

Seriously … free. Explore prices that beat the competition 70% of the time.

Get free card

Overdose of fluvoxamine

It’s important that you do not take more fluvoxamine oral tablet than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of fluvoxamine overdose

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

What to do if you take too much fluvoxamine

If you think you’ve taken too much fluvoxamine, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes the usual recommended dosages for fluvoxamine oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.

Do not change your dosage of fluvoxamine oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take fluvoxamine oral tablet exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

  • How often will you adjust my dosage of fluvoxamine?
  • Will you need to change my dosage of fluvoxamine if I’m also taking other medications?
  • What determines whether my dosage of fluvoxamine is right for my condition?

Boxed warning for fluvoxamine

Fluvoxamine has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.

Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors: Fluvoxamine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) drug. Taking an SSRI may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults (ages 25 years and younger).

The risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors is highest during the first few months of treatment and after any dosage changes. Symptoms may include changes in behavior, mood, thoughts, or feelings. Your doctor will monitor you closely for signs and symptoms of new or worsening suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

You can also talk with your doctor to learn more about this warning.

If you have thoughts of suicide during fluvoxamine treatment, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing or texting 988. Or tell your doctor right away. You can also refer to this article for ways to seek support.

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

Article resources