Fluvoxamine maleate

Fluvoxamine maleate (trade-name: Luvox®) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. It is used primarily to treat depression, anxiety and OCD.

Although its effects are similar to other SSRIs it acts on the body's neuro-chemistry differently. For this reason, fluvoxamine can be of benefit to patients who experience unusual or limiting side-effects from other antidepressants. Fluvoxamine also appears to cause less side-effects than other SSRIs, in particular with relation to loss of sex-drive.

Effective Dosage

For depression and anxiety dosage normally starts at 50 milligrams per day, rising to 100 milligrams after a few days. It may be raised after evaluation of the effects by a doctor.

Fluvoxamine is generally only effective for OCD at 150 milligrams and above, and dosages can reach 300 milligrams or more for some patients.

An alleged side-effect of Fluvoxamine is a loss of empathy for other human beings. Eric Harris had been prescribed and was taking Luvox® at the time of the Columbine High School massacre.