This information is not intended for US residents
PSYCHIATRY
LUVOX® (fluvoxamine maleate)
LUVOX® is a product from Solvay Pharmaceuticals’ innovative research. In 1983 it was the first of the now hugely popular class of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors to reach the market. LUVOX® (fluvoxamine, FLOXYFRAL®, FAVERIN® and other brandnames) is a well-known tried and trusted antidepressant that has been prescribed to over 20 million people worldwide. LUVOX® is used in major depression, a disabling mood disorder that can interfere with people’s functioning in jobs, relationships and as parents. The degree of inability to carry on caring for themselves or others is actually greater than it is for people with illnesses such as diabetes or high blood pressure, and it is a problem which can last long after the episode of depression has subsided. Depression is also a very common disease: one in twenty people suffers from it at any given time.
In the United States LUVOX® is exclusively registered for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and in many other countries it carries this indication as well. This disease, which includes persistent obsessions and ritualistic compulsions, was once thought to be very rare. People with OCD are, however, very secretive about their disease, because they are well aware that their obsessions and compulsions are ‘strange’. Nationwide awareness programs sponsored by Solvay Pharmaceuticals Inc. in the US have helped people suffering from this emotionally crippling disease to realize they were suffering from a biological disease, and should seek help. LUVOX® is the only SSRI registered for use in children and adolescents with obsessive compulsive disorder, and important advantage since this disorder can begin in children as young as three.
LUVOX® was the first SSRI to enter the Japanese market for both the depression and OCD indication.
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generic name
fluvoxamine maleate
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brandnames
LUVOX®, FLOXYFRAL®, FAVERIN®, FEVARIN®, DUMIROX®, DUMYROX®, AVOXIN®, SERVOX®, FAVOXIL®, MAVERAL®, FEVALAT®, LUVOXE®, DEPROMEL®
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product description
LUVOX® (fluvoxamine) is a new generation medicine against depression, a so-called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. LUVOX® is specifically designed to increase the concentration of serotonin, a key neurotransmitter in mood disorders. LUVOX® is not a tranquilizer and it is not addictive.
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indications
Major depressive disorder
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
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description of indications
Depression
Depression is a common illness. It affects people of all ages and in all episodes of life, although women seem to be more prone than men. Depression consists of a wide variety of physical and psychological symptoms that indicate that treatment is necessary.
A lack of interest and enjoyment in life
A lack of drive and motivation, making even simple tasks and decisions difficult
Utter fatigue
Agitation, irritability, and restlessness
Loss or gain in appetite and/or weight
Sleeplessness or excessive sleeping
Loss of outward affection, no desire for sex
Loss of self-confidence, avoiding people
Feeling useless, bad, sad, helpless and hopeless
Feeling worse at a particular time of the day, usually in the morning
Thoughts of suicide; these are common and are a certain sign that help is needed
Many people suffer from more than one period of depression in their life. Appropriate medical treatment can help to prevent a new period of depression.
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Obsessive compulsive disorder
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a disease characterized by recurring uncontrollable thoughts (obsessions) and meaningless, ritualistic behaviors (compulsions) like hand-washing, checking, counting, hoarding and arranging. OCD seems to be a result of a disturbance in the serotonergic system, which would account for its good response to SSRI’s. About 2,5% of the population is estimated to be affected by OCD at some time during their life.
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worldwide availability
LUVOX® (fluvoxamine, FLOXYFRAL®, FAVERIN® and other brandnames) is available in more than 75 countries worldwide for depression, obsessive compulsive disorder or both.
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date and country of first launch
1983 in Switzerland
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average dosages
Usually, 100 mg of LUVOX® will be prescribed once a day (50 mg in the first week). Optimum dosage may vary from 100 mg to 300 mg a day, also depending on the indication.
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Links
http://www.solvay-depression.com
http://www.ocdresource.com/