Posted by Bob P (129.65.46.87) on May 04, 2000 at 13:42:27:
In Reply to: Day 2 on Luvox posted by Bob Kipple on May 03, 2000 at 22:32:49:
Description: Fluvoxamine is an oral antidepressant drug of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) class. The
SSRIs are structurally distinct from the tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors. The most important clinical
distinction of the SSRIs is their extremely high specificity for blocking the reuptake of serotonin compared to their effects on
other known neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, acetylcholine, histamine, or dopamine. Fluvoxamine has the shortest
half-life of all the SSRIs. Sedation is more common with fluvoxamine than with other SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline).
Anorexia and weight loss is less of a concern with fluvoxamine than with fluoxetine. Fluvoxamine is currently approved for use in
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) but has also been used in the treatment of major depression†, post traumatic stress
disorder†, obesity†, bulimia nervosa†, schizophrenia†, and panic disorder†. Fluvoxamine was originally approved by the FDA
for treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder on December 5, 1994. A subsequent NDA for treatment of major depression
was submitted shortly thereafter but the FDA requested additional studies. As of 10/30/96, these studies are still ongoing
(verbal communication). Under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), the patent expired March 19, 1996.
Mechanism of Action: The precise action of SSRIs is not fully understood, but it is believed that the most important effect is
the potentiation of serotonin due to highly specific blockade of serotonin reuptake at the neuronal membrane. SSRIs have less
sedative, anticholinergic, and cardiovascular effects than do the tricyclic antidepressant drugs due to dramatically decreased
binding to receptors of histamine, acetylcholine, and norepinephrine. Monoamine oxidase is not inhibited by any of the SSRIs.
Anticholinergic activity is virtually absent.