Fluvoxamine
Also known as: Luvox, Luvox CR, Dumirox, Faverin, Fevarin
- **Patience is Key:** This medication will not work immediately. It typically requires a commitment of 6 to 8 weeks of continuous use to see significant behavioral improvement. - **Behavioral Training:** Fluvoxamine is most effective when combined with a professional behavior modification program. - **Side Effects:** Watch for decreased appetite, lethargy, vomiting, or abnormal behavior (such as increased anxiety or aggression). If your pet stops eating entirely, contact your veterinarian. - **Safe Storage:** Keep this medication strictly out of reach of children and other pets. - **Do Not Stop Abruptly:** If treatment needs to be discontinued, your veterinarian will guide you on how to gradually taper the dose to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- For treatment of compulsive disorders
- For treatment of behavioral diagnoses
- For spraying
- For treatment of behavioral diagnoses
- For treatment of compulsive disorders
- For treatment of behavioral diagnoses
- For treatment of behavioral diagnoses
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Anorexia/decreased appetite (common)
- Lethargy or sedation
- Gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea)
- Anxiety, irritability, or agitation
- Insomnia or hyperactivity
- Panting (dogs)
- Changes in elimination patterns (cats)
- Paradoxical aggressive behavior in previously non-aggressive dogs
Cautions & contraindications
- Patients with known hypersensitivity to fluvoxamine or other SSRIs
- Concurrent use of Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) such as selegiline or amitraz
- Concurrent use of cisapride
- > **Caution:** Use with care in patients with severe cardiac, renal, or hepatic disease. Dosages may need to be reduced in patients with severe renal or hepatic impairment, or in geriatric patients. - **Pregnancy:** FDA Category C. Animal studies in rats showed increased pup mortality at birth and decreased birth weights. - **Lactation:** Fluvoxamine enters maternal milk, though it appears unlikely to be of significant clinical concern.
Drug interactions
- Buspirone: Fluvoxamine may paradoxically decrease the clinical efficacy of buspirone.
- Cisapride: Fluvoxamine may increase plasma levels of cisapride, leading to toxicity. Concurrent use is contraindicated.
- Cyproheptadine: May decrease or reverse the effects of SSRIs (useful in treating serotonin syndrome).
- Diazepam, Alprazolam, Midazolam: Fluvoxamine may increase diazepam (and other benzodiazepine) levels.
- Diltiazem: Fluvoxamine may increase the effects of diltiazem; bradycardia has been reported in humans.
- MAO Inhibitors (e.g., amitraz, selegiline): High risk for serotonin syndrome; contraindicated. A 5-week washout is required after stopping fluvoxamine, and a 2-week washout if stopping the MAOI first.
- Methadone: Fluvoxamine may increase plasma levels of methadone, leading to toxicity.
- Phenytoin: Increased plasma levels of phenytoin possible.
- Propranolol, Metoprolol: Fluvoxamine may increase these beta-blockers' plasma levels; atenolol may be safer.
- Theophylline: Fluvoxamine may increase plasma levels of theophylline.
Frequently asked questions
What is Fluvoxamine used for in pets?
- **Patience is Key:** This medication will not work immediately. It typically requires a commitment of 6 to 8 weeks of continuous use to see significant behavioral improvement. - **Behavioral Training:** Fluvoxamine is most effective when combined with a professional behavior modification program. - **Side Effects:** Watch for decreased appetite, lethargy, vomiting, or abnormal behavior (such as increased anxiety or aggression). If your pet stops eating entirely, contact your veterinarian. - **Safe Storage:** Keep this medication strictly out of reach of children and other pets. - **Do Not Stop Abruptly:** If treatment needs to be discontinued, your veterinarian will guide you on how to gradually taper the dose to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
Is Fluvoxamine safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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