Understanding What is the Generic Form of Fluvoxamine

October 11, 2025 •

4 min read

Fluvoxamine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), was formerly sold under the brand names Luvox and Luvox CR. Today, the brand-name versions have been largely discontinued in the United States, meaning the medication is now primarily available as the generic form of fluvoxamine. Understanding the generic version is important for managing psychiatric conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and social anxiety disorder (SAD).

Quick Summary

Fluvoxamine is the generic version of the SSRI medication previously marketed as Luvox and Luvox CR. It is used for treating obsessive-compulsive and social anxiety disorders and is available today as an affordable generic alternative.

Key Points

Generic Name: Fluvoxamine is its own generic name and is the active ingredient in the medication.
Brand Names: The former U.S. brand names, Luvox and Luvox CR, have been discontinued, making the generic form the standard.
Drug Class: It is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which helps balance serotonin levels in the brain.
Uses: Fluvoxamine is FDA-approved for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and social anxiety disorder (SAD).
Cost Savings: Generic fluvoxamine is significantly more affordable than the former brand-name versions.
Cautions: It has a boxed warning for suicidal thoughts in young people and should not be stopped abruptly due to discontinuation syndrome.

What is the generic form of fluvoxamine?

Before taking any medication, it is important to understand that information is for general knowledge and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider.

The term 'generic form of fluvoxamine' refers to the medication itself, with the active ingredient being fluvoxamine maleate. When a pharmaceutical company's patent on a brand-name drug expires, other manufacturers can produce and sell a generic version. In the case of fluvoxamine, the brand names Luvox (immediate-release) and Luvox CR (extended-release) are largely no longer available in the U.S., making the generic version the most common option. Generic medications, by law, must contain the same active ingredients and be identical in strength, safety, and effectiveness as their brand-name counterparts. For patients, this typically translates to significant cost savings.

How fluvoxamine works

Fluvoxamine belongs to a class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Its primary mechanism involves blocking the reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. By doing so, it increases the amount of available serotonin in the synapses, which helps regulate mood and alleviate the repetitive thoughts and behaviors associated with OCD and the fears associated with SAD. Beyond its SSRI properties, fluvoxamine is also known to be a potent agonist of the sigma-1 receptor (S1R), which may contribute to its psychiatric effects and anti-inflammatory properties.

Conditions treated with generic fluvoxamine

Fluvoxamine is an FDA-approved medication used for treating specific mental health conditions. Its primary indications include:

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Treats both adults and children over the age of eight who experience recurrent and intrusive obsessions and compulsions.
Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD): Also known as social phobia, it is approved for treating the extreme fear of interacting with others.

Healthcare providers may also prescribe fluvoxamine off-label for other conditions where SSRIs have shown effectiveness, such as:

Major Depressive Disorder
Panic Disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Bulimia Nervosa

Dosage and administration

Fluvoxamine is available in both immediate-release tablets and extended-release capsules. It is crucial to follow your doctor's specific instructions for dosage and administration.

Extended-release capsules must be swallowed whole and should not be crushed, chewed, or broken. It can take several weeks for the full therapeutic effects to be felt, so patience and consistent use as prescribed are key.

Potential side effects and drug interactions

Like all medications, fluvoxamine carries a risk of side effects, ranging from common to severe. Common side effects include nausea, headache, drowsiness, sleep changes, agitation, and sexual issues. While many of these diminish over time as the body adjusts, some may persist.

More serious side effects are rare but possible, including:

Serotonin Syndrome: A rare but potentially fatal condition caused by excessive serotonin levels. Symptoms include confusion, fever, rapid heart rate, and muscle stiffness.
Increased Bleeding Risk: Especially when taken with other medications that affect blood clotting, such as NSAIDs or blood thinners.
Suicidal Thoughts: The FDA has issued a boxed warning about an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior, particularly in children, adolescents, and young adults.

Fluvoxamine has significant drug interactions due to its effect on the CYP450 enzyme system, which processes many drugs in the liver. Certain medications and substances are contraindicated or require caution, including:

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Increased risk of serotonin syndrome; must not be taken concurrently.
Tizanidine and Ramelteon: Fluvoxamine significantly increases the levels of these drugs, which can be dangerous.
Benzodiazepines, Beta Blockers, and others: Dosage adjustments may be necessary due to altered drug levels.

Discontinuation and tapering

It is critical not to stop taking fluvoxamine abruptly without consulting a doctor. Suddenly stopping an SSRI can lead to discontinuation syndrome, which can produce withdrawal-like symptoms. These can include dizziness, headaches, irritability, and sensory disturbances. A gradual tapering schedule, overseen by a healthcare professional, is essential to safely and effectively reduce the dose over time.

Comparison of generic fluvoxamine with other SSRIs


Feature	Generic Fluvoxamine	Generic Sertraline (Zoloft)	Generic Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Primary Use	OCD, SAD	Depression, OCD, Panic Disorder, PTSD, etc.	Depression, OCD, Panic Disorder, Bulimia Nervosa, etc.
Formulations	Immediate-release tablets, extended-release capsules	Tablets, oral solution	Capsules, tablets, oral solution, delayed-release
Dosage Frequency	Varies based on formulation and medical guidance	Typically once daily	Typically once daily
Side Effect Profile	More likely to cause nausea, diarrhea; can cause sleep problems	Can cause nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth	Can cause anxiety, insomnia, nausea
Drug Interactions	Higher risk of interactions due to enzyme inhibition	Fewer significant interactions compared to fluvoxamine	Multiple potential interactions
Withdrawal	Short half-life, requires careful tapering	Requires gradual tapering	Longer half-life, potentially milder withdrawal

Conclusion

The generic form of fluvoxamine is the same active ingredient previously sold under the brand names Luvox and Luvox CR. It is an effective SSRI used primarily for treating OCD and SAD, offering a more affordable option for many patients. However, its use requires careful medical supervision due to potential side effects and significant drug interactions. A gradual tapering process is essential when discontinuing treatment to minimize withdrawal symptoms. As with any psychiatric medication, it is vital to have an open and ongoing conversation with a healthcare provider to ensure safe and effective treatment. For more detailed information on fluvoxamine, resources like MedlinePlus provide comprehensive drug details.

Disclaimer: Information is for general knowledge and should not be taken as medical advice. Consult with a healthcare provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Generic fluvoxamine contains the same active ingredient as the former brand-name drug, Luvox, which is no longer available in the U.S.. The key differences lie in inactive ingredients, appearance, and, most significantly, cost, with the generic being a more affordable option.

Yes, regulatory bodies like the FDA require that generic drugs have the same active ingredients, strength, and overall efficacy as their brand-name counterparts. Therefore, generic fluvoxamine is considered therapeutically equivalent to Luvox.

The full therapeutic benefits of fluvoxamine may take several weeks or longer to become apparent. It is important to continue taking the medication as prescribed and to be patient with the process.

Common side effects can include nausea, headaches, drowsiness, trouble sleeping, nervousness, and sexual issues. Many of these may subside as your body adjusts to the medication.

No, it is not safe to stop taking fluvoxamine suddenly. Abrupt discontinuation can lead to withdrawal symptoms, known as discontinuation syndrome, which can include dizziness, irritability, and fatigue. A doctor-supervised tapering schedule is necessary.

Generic fluvoxamine is typically covered by most Medicare and insurance plans. Its lower cost often makes it a more accessible choice, and pharmacy coupons can further reduce the price.

Fluvoxamine is approved for treating OCD in children and adolescents aged 8 to 17. Dosage is determined by a doctor and is usually started at a low dose and adjusted gradually.

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 continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.