Fluvoxamine XR has been in shortage since 2024. Learn why it's so hard to find, what's causing supply issues, and what you can do to get your prescription filled.
You went to your pharmacy expecting to pick up your Fluvoxamine XR prescription — and they told you it's out of stock. Maybe they said they don't know when it's coming back. Maybe they suggested calling around to other pharmacies. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone.
Fluvoxamine XR (also known as Fluvoxamine ER or formerly Luvox CR) has been in a nationwide shortage since early 2024. For patients who depend on this medication to manage OCD or social anxiety disorder, the shortage has been stressful and disruptive. In this article, we'll explain exactly what's going on, why the shortage is happening, and what steps you can take right now.
Fluvoxamine XR is the extended-release form of Fluvoxamine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which helps reduce symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and social anxiety disorder.
The extended-release capsules come in 100 mg and 150 mg strengths and are taken once daily at bedtime. The original brand name was Luvox CR, but that brand has been discontinued — today, only generic versions are available from manufacturers like Par Pharmaceuticals and Teva Pharmaceuticals.
Fluvoxamine XR is also sometimes prescribed off-label for conditions like depression, PTSD, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety.
There are several reasons why this medication has become difficult to locate:
With the brand-name Luvox CR discontinued, only two companies — Par Pharmaceuticals and Teva Pharmaceuticals — make the generic extended-release capsules. When you have just two suppliers for a medication, any disruption at either facility can create a ripple effect across the entire supply chain.
Both Par and Teva have reported supply chain issues affecting production of Fluvoxamine ER capsules. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) first listed Fluvoxamine Extended-Release Capsules as being in shortage in February 2024, citing manufacturing delays and raw material supply problems.
Fluvoxamine gained significant public attention during the COVID-19 pandemic when it was studied as a potential treatment. While it was not ultimately approved for COVID use, the publicity led to increased awareness and prescribing of the drug for its approved indications. This contributed to higher demand that manufacturers have struggled to keep up with.
Unlike some other medications where patients can switch from generic to brand or vice versa, Luvox CR has been fully discontinued. There is no brand-name option to fall back on when the generic is unavailable, making the shortage feel even more acute.
If you're struggling to find Fluvoxamine XR, here are several practical steps:
Tools like Medfinder can help you check which pharmacies near you have Fluvoxamine XR in stock in real time, saving you hours of phone calls.
Independent and compounding pharmacies often have different supply chains than large retail chains like CVS or Walgreens. They may have stock when the big chains don't. Read our full guide on how to find Fluvoxamine XR in stock near you.
If you've been unable to fill your prescription for an extended period, talk to your prescriber. There are several alternative SSRI medications that may work for your condition, including Sertraline (Zoloft), Paroxetine (Paxil), or Fluoxetine (Prozac). Your doctor may also consider switching you to the immediate-release form of Fluvoxamine, which is more widely available.
It's important not to suddenly stop taking Fluvoxamine XR without medical guidance. Abruptly stopping an SSRI can cause discontinuation syndrome — symptoms like dizziness, nausea, irritability, and "brain zaps." If you're running low, contact your prescriber as soon as possible to discuss a plan.
The Fluvoxamine XR shortage has been frustrating for thousands of patients across the country. With only two generic manufacturers and ongoing supply chain challenges, availability remains limited heading into 2026. But there are steps you can take — from using stock-checking tools to exploring alternatives with your doctor — to make sure your treatment doesn't get interrupted.
For the latest updates on the Fluvoxamine XR shortage, check out our 2026 shortage update for patients.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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