Fluvoxamine XR: A Complete Overview

Fluvoxamine XR is an extended-release prescription medication used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and social anxiety disorder in adults.

If your doctor has mentioned Fluvoxamine XR — or if you've seen it referred to as Fluvoxamine ER, Fluvoxamine Maleate Extended-Release, or by the discontinued brand name Luvox CR — this guide covers everything you need to know in plain language.

What Is Fluvoxamine XR?

Fluvoxamine XR is the extended-release capsule form of Fluvoxamine Maleate, a medication in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. SSRIs are one of the most widely prescribed categories of antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications.

Here are the key facts:

• Generic name: Fluvoxamine Maleate Extended-Release
• Former brand name: Luvox CR (discontinued)
• Drug class: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)
• Manufacturers: Par Pharmaceuticals and Teva Pharmaceuticals (generic)
• Available strengths: 100 mg and 150 mg extended-release capsules
• Controlled substance: No — Fluvoxamine XR is not a controlled substance

The brand-name version, Luvox CR, has been discontinued. Only generic versions of Fluvoxamine extended-release capsules are currently available.

What Is Fluvoxamine XR Used For?

FDA-Approved Uses

Fluvoxamine XR is FDA-approved for two conditions in adults:

1. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) — Fluvoxamine was one of the first SSRIs approved for OCD treatment. It helps reduce obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
2. Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) — The extended-release formulation is specifically approved for social anxiety disorder, helping reduce the intense fear and avoidance of social situations.

Off-Label Uses

Doctors sometimes prescribe Fluvoxamine XR for conditions beyond its FDA-approved uses, including:

• Major depressive disorder (MDD)
• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Panic disorder
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

Off-label use is legal and common when a doctor believes the medication may benefit a patient based on clinical evidence.

How Is Fluvoxamine XR Taken?

Fluvoxamine XR is taken once daily at bedtime. Here's what you need to know about dosing:

• Starting dose: 100 mg once daily at bedtime
• Dose increases: Your doctor may increase the dose by 50 mg per week, based on how you respond and tolerate the medication
• Maximum dose: 300 mg per day
• How to take it: Swallow capsules whole — do not crush, chew, or open them. Can be taken with or without food.

Taking it at bedtime helps reduce the impact of common side effects like nausea and drowsiness. For details on side effects, see our Fluvoxamine XR side effects guide.

If you're switching from immediate-release Fluvoxamine tablets to the extended-release capsule, your doctor will typically use the same total daily dose but give it as a single bedtime dose instead of split doses.

Who Should Not Take Fluvoxamine XR?

Fluvoxamine XR is not safe for everyone. You should not take it if you:

• Are currently taking or have taken an MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitor) within the past 14 days
• Take Tizanidine (Zanaflex) — this combination can cause severe drops in blood pressure
• Take Thioridazine — risk of dangerous heart rhythm changes (QTc prolongation)
• Take Pimozide, Alosetron, or Ramelteon — these are contraindicated with Fluvoxamine
• Have a known allergy to Fluvoxamine or any ingredient in the capsule

Make sure your doctor knows about all medications you take, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal products. Fluvoxamine XR has significant drug interactions that can be dangerous.

Special caution is needed for:

• Elderly patients — Start at lower doses; higher risk of hyponatremia
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women — Discuss risks and benefits with your doctor
• Young adults under 25 — FDA boxed warning about increased risk of suicidal thoughts
• Patients with liver disease — Lower doses and slower dose increases may be needed

How Much Does Fluvoxamine XR Cost?

Fluvoxamine XR can be expensive without insurance:

• Cash price (no insurance): $170 to $440 for a 30-day supply, depending on the dose
• With coupons: As low as $75 to $107 through discount programs like GoodRx, SingleCare, or RxSaver
• With insurance: Typically a Tier 2 or Tier 3 copay, often $20 to $75 depending on your plan

There is no manufacturer savings program available since the Luvox CR brand has been discontinued. However, several options exist to lower your cost:

• Prescription discount cards (GoodRx, SingleCare, RxSaver)
• Patient assistance programs through NeedyMeds or RxAssist
• State pharmaceutical assistance programs
• Asking your doctor about the immediate-release generic, which costs as little as $16 to $22 with coupons

For a complete breakdown of savings options, see our guide on how to save money on Fluvoxamine XR.

Current Availability

Fluvoxamine XR has been in an active shortage since early 2024. Both Par Pharmaceuticals and Teva Pharmaceuticals have reported supply chain issues, and availability can vary significantly by pharmacy and location.

If you're having trouble finding it, Medfinder can help you check which pharmacies near you have it in stock.

Final Thoughts

Fluvoxamine XR is an effective, well-studied SSRI for OCD and social anxiety disorder. While it's currently harder to find and more expensive than some alternatives, it remains an important treatment option — especially for patients who benefit from the once-daily extended-release dosing.

If you're considering Fluvoxamine XR or have been prescribed it, understanding how it works, what it costs, and where to find it will help you stay on track with your treatment. For more on how the medication works in your body, see our mechanism of action guide.