oloxyfrin (FLUVOXAMINE)

What is Oloxyfrin?

Oloxyfrin is primarily used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and social anxiety disorder. It works by increasing the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter, in the brain, which helps improve mood and reduce anxiety. It belongs to the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, making more available for brain function. This helps reduce the symptoms of anxiety and obsessive thoughts.

What is the usual dose of Oloxyfrin?

For adults, the usual starting dose of Oloxyfrin is 50 mg per day, which can be increased in 50 mg increments every 4 to 7 days, as tolerated, up to a maximum of 300 mg per day. For children aged 8 to 17, the starting dose is 25 mg per day, with a maximum dose of 200 mg per day for children up to age 11, and up to 300 mg for adolescents.

How do I take Oloxyfrin?

Oloxyfrin can be taken with or without food, but should be taken at the same time each day to maintain a steady level of the medication in the body.

The tablets should be swallowed whole, without chewing or crushing.

Patients should avoid drinking alcohol while taking Oloxyfrin, as it can increase the risk of side effects.

For how long do I take Oloxyfrin?

Oloxyfrin, in tablet form, has been shown to help adults with OCD long-term. While the long-term effects of the capsule form aren't as well-studied, doctors may still prescribe it if it's working well for the patient because OCD is a long-lasting condition. Studies also show it works for adults and kids in tablet form.

What disease or symptom is Oloxyfrin used for?

Oloxyfrin is used to treat OCD, SAD, GAD, panic disorder, PTSD, and major depressive disorder.

How long does it take for Oloxyfrin to start working?

Oloxyfrin can take 4-6 weeks to start working and patients may experience side effects during the first few weeks of treatment.

Is Oloxyfrin effective?

Oloxyfrin has been shown to effectively treat OCD, SAD, GAD, panic disorder, and MDD through increasing serotonin levels in the brain.

How do I know if Oloxyfrin is working?

Patients should keep track of their symptoms and report any changes to their healthcare provider. This can help the provider to determine if the medication is working effectively.

Regular follow-up appointments with a healthcare provider can help to monitor the patient's response to Oloxyfrin and make any necessary adjustments to the dosage.

How does Oloxyfrin work?

Oloxyfrin works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which can help to improve mood, reduce anxiety, and improve overall well-being.

Who should avoid taking Oloxyfrin?

Allergic reactions: Oloxyfrin can cause serious allergic reactions in some patients, including rash, hives, and difficulty breathing.

Suicidal thoughts: In some patients, Oloxyfrin can cause an increase in suicidal thoughts, especially during the first few weeks of treatment.

Serotonin syndrome: Oloxyfrin can interact with other medications to cause serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition that can cause agitation, hallucinations, and coma.

Can I take Oloxyfrin with other prescription drugs?

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): MAOIs can cause a potentially life-threatening interaction with Oloxyfrin, which can cause serotonin syndrome.

Tricyclic antidepressants: Taking Oloxyfrin with tricyclic antidepressants can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.

Warfarin: Oloxyfrin can increase the levels of warfarin in the body, which can increase the risk of bleeding.

Can Oloxyfrin be taken safely while pregnant?

Oloxyfrin is classified as a Pregnancy Category C drug and it is not known whether it is safe for use during pregnancy. Pregnant women should consult with their healthcare provider before taking the medication.

Can Oloxyfrin be taken safely while breastfeeding?

Oloxyfrin can be excreted in breast milk and can cause adverse effects in nursing infants. Therefore, breastfeeding mothers should avoid taking Oloxyfrin unless the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks.

Is Oloxyfrin safe for the elderly?

Older adults need a smaller starting dose of the medicine Oloxyfrin and should increase the dose slowly. This is because their bodies remove the medicine more slowly than younger people's, leading to a higher risk of low sodium levels in the blood (hyponatremia). However, studies before the medicine was sold didn't show any major overall safety differences between older and younger people taking it.

How should I store Oloxyfrin?

Oloxyfrin should be stored at room temperature, between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C), away from heat, moisture, and light.

Does Oloxyfrin make people tired or drowsy?

Yes, Oloxyfrin commonly causes drowsiness or tiredness, with somnolence reported in 26%-27% of patients. If you experience this side effect, avoid driving or activities requiring alertness and consult your doctor for guidance​

Does Oloxyfrin cause stomach upset?

Common gastrointestinal side effects include nausea (34%-39%), diarrhea (14%-18%), and anorexia (13%-14%). To ease symptoms, try taking the medicine with food and inform your doctor if the issue persists​

Does Oloxyfrin affect sleep?

Insomnia is reported in 32%-35% of patients. If sleep issues arise, consider adjusting the timing of your dose or ask your doctor for advice on managing this side effect​

Does Oloxyfrin make it hard to think or concentrate?

Cognitive effects like dizziness (12%-15%) and abnormal thinking (3%) can occur. If concentration becomes difficult, limit activities requiring focus and speak with your doctor about possible solutions​

Does Oloxyfrin affect mood?

Mood changes, such as anxiety (6%-8%) and agitation (2%-3%), have been reported. Contact your doctor if you notice significant mood shifts or worsening symptoms​

Does Oloxyfrin interfere with sexual function?

Oloxyfrin commonly causes sexual side effects like decreased libido (6%-8%) and abnormal ejaculation (11%). Discuss these concerns with your doctor to explore management options​

Does Oloxyfrin affect appetite?

Reduced appetite (13%-14%) and weight loss (2%) are common side effects. If appetite changes are severe or affect your health, consult your doctor for advice

Does Oloxyfrin cause weight gain?

Weight changes, including weight gain, have been observed infrequently. If you experience significant weight changes, speak with your doctor

Does Oloxyfrin cause headaches?

Headaches occur in 32%-35% of patients. Stay hydrated, use over-the-counter pain relievers if needed, and talk to your doctor if the headaches persist

Does Oloxyfrin limit driving?

Oloxyfrin may impair your ability to drive due to drowsiness or dizziness. Avoid driving until you know how the medicine affects you and consult your doctor if needed

Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Oloxyfrin?

Drinking alcohol in moderation does not directly affect the safety or effectiveness of Dutasteride. However, both alcohol and Dutasteride can lower blood pressure, so combining the two could lead to increased dizziness or lightheadedness. It's important to stay hydrated and monitor any changes in how you feel. Always consult your doctor for personalized advice​

Is it safe to drink coffee or tea while taking Oloxyfrin?

Caffeinated beverages such as coffee or tea do not interfere with the effectiveness of Dutasteride. However, caffeine can cause mild dehydration, which might affect your overall health. Drinking these beverages in moderation should not pose a problem, but staying hydrated is essential for managing your health

Is it safe to exercise while taking Oloxyfrin?

Exercise is generally safe while taking Dutasteride. However, Dutasteride can sometimes cause dizziness or fatigue, so it's important to listen to your body and avoid intense physical activity if you feel unwell. Start with moderate exercises and gradually increase intensity while being mindful of any side effects you experience. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns​

What are the most common side effects of Oloxyfrin?

A side effect is an unwanted or unexpected symptom caused by a medicine. For this medicine, common side effects may include nausea, which is feeling sick to your stomach, dizziness, which is feeling lightheaded or unsteady, headache, which is pain in the head, fatigue, which is feeling very tired, and dry mouth, which is a lack of saliva. The frequency of these side effects can vary, but they are generally considered common. It's important to note that when starting a new medicine, people might experience new symptoms that could be coincidental, unrelated, or temporary. These symptoms might also be due to another health issue. Always talk to a healthcare provider before stopping any medicine, as they can provide guidance on managing side effects and ensure your treatment is safe and effective.

Does Oloxyfrin have adverse effects?

Adverse effects, which are unwanted or harmful reactions to a medicine, can occur with any medication. For this medicine, common adverse effects might include nausea, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and dry mouth. These effects can vary in frequency, with some people experiencing them more often than others. Rare but serious adverse effects could include severe allergic reactions, which might cause difficulty breathing or swelling of the face and throat, and require immediate medical attention. It's crucial to report any new or worsening symptoms to a healthcare provider. Never stop taking a medicine without consulting a healthcare professional, as they can provide guidance on managing side effects or adjusting treatment.

Is Oloxyfrin addictive?

This medicine does not have any known potential for dependence or addiction. It is considered safe in terms of habit-forming properties. Therefore, there is no need to worry about developing a physical or psychological dependence on this medication. However, it is always important to use any medicine as directed by a healthcare professional to ensure safety and effectiveness. If you have any concerns or questions about your medication, it is best to discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Does Oloxyfrin have any safety warnings?

To determine if a medicine has safety warnings, you should first check the prescription information provided with the medicine. This information often includes a section on warnings and precautions. For example, if a medicine has a warning about causing drowsiness, the rationale is that it affects the central nervous system, which is the part of the body that controls most functions of the mind and body. The possible consequence is that it may impair your ability to drive or operate machinery. Symptoms to monitor include feeling unusually sleepy or having trouble concentrating. If you experience these symptoms, it's important to avoid activities that require full alertness. Always consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns about the safety warnings of a medicine.

Is it safe to stop Oloxyfrin?

To determine if it's safe to stop a medicine, first identify its purpose. If it's for managing a chronic condition like hypertension or diabetes, stopping it suddenly can lead to serious health risks, such as uncontrolled blood pressure or blood sugar levels. If the medicine is for symptomatic relief or treating an acute condition, like an infection, stopping it prematurely might result in the return of symptoms or incomplete treatment. Some medicines can cause withdrawal or rebound symptoms if stopped abruptly, which can be uncomfortable or even dangerous. It's crucial to consult with a doctor before stopping any medicine, as they can provide guidance on how to safely discontinue it, if appropriate, and monitor for any adverse effects.

How do I dispose of Oloxyfrin?

If you can, bring unused medicines to a drug take-back program or collection site at a pharmacy or hospital. They will dispose of this medicine properly so they don't harm people or the environment. If you can't find a take-back program, you can throw most medicines in the trash at home. But first, take them out of their original containers, mix them with something undesirable like used coffee grounds, seal the mixture in a plastic bag and throw it away.

What are Oloxyfrin possible harms and risks?

Oloxyfrin may cause common side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and dizziness, and rare adverse effects such as abnormal bleeding or seizures.