Luvox CR Dosage

OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)

     The recommended starting dose is 100 mg at bedtime, with weekly increases of 50 mg as tolerated to maximum therapeutic benefit, not to exceed 300 mg per day.

     Capsules should not be crushed or chewed.

Pediatric Patients Naïve to Fluvoxamine Maleate

     Physicians should consider that the lowest available dose of LUVOX CR Capsules may not be appropriate for pediatric patients naïve to fluvoxamine maleate.

Dosage for Elderly or Hepatically Impaired Patients

     Elderly patients and those with hepatic impairment have been observed to have a decreased clearance of fluvoxamine maleate. Consequently, it may be appropriate to titrate slowly following the initial dose of 100 mg in these patient groups.

Maintenance/Continuation of Extended Treatment

     Although the efficacy of LUVOX CR Capsules beyond 12 weeks of dosing has not been documented in controlled trials, OCD is a chronic condition, and it is reasonable to consider continuation for a responding patient. The benefit of maintaining patients with OCD on immediate-release fluvoxamine maleate tablets after achieving a response for an average duration of about 4 weeks in a 10-week single-blind phase during which patients were titrated to effect was demonstrated in a controlled trial (see CLINICAL TRIALS [14.2]). Dosage adjustments should be made to maintain the patient on the lowest effective dosage, and patients should be periodically reassessed to determine the need for continued treatment.

Switching Patients To or From a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor

     At least 14 days (2 weeks) should elapse between discontinuation of an MAOI and initiation of therapy with LUVOX CR Capsules. Similarly, at least 14 days (2 weeks) should be allowed after stopping LUVOX CR Capsules before starting an MAOI (4, 5.2).

Discontinuation of Treatment with LUVOX CR Capsules

     Symptoms associated with discontinuation of other SSRIs or SNRIs have been reported (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS [5.10]). Patients should be monitored for these symptoms when discontinuing treatment. A gradual reduction in the dose rather than abrupt cessation is recommended whenever possible. If intolerable symptoms occur following a decrease in the dose or upon discontinuation of treatment, then resuming the previously prescribed dose may be considered. Subsequently, the health care provider may continue decreasing the dose but at a more gradual rate.