Fluvoxamine maleate

What is this medication for?

• Aggression, stereotypic/obsessive-compulsive behaviors — not commonly used vs other SSRIs

How is it given?

Give exactly as your veterinarian prescribed — never change the dose or stop on your own unless your veterinarian has told you to.

What if I miss a dose?

• Give it as soon as you remember — unless it is almost time for the next dose (then skip the missed one; never double up).
• Call your clinic if you miss more than one dose in a row.

Side effects — what should I watch for?

Effects listed as common in this handout

• Anorexia, low energy/tiredness, stomach/intestinal effects, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, panting; aggression in previously non-aggressive dogs (Profile not established)
• Sedation, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, elimination changes (Feline profile)
• >10 mg/kg → tremors, low energy/tiredness (Overdose threshold)

Worth a phone call to your veterinarian

• Any new symptom that worries you.

⚠️ Contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic IMMEDIATELY if you notice

• Trouble breathing, collapse, seizures, severe vomiting or diarrhea, facial swelling, or pale gums

Before starting (or refilling), tell your veterinarian if your pet:

• has or has had: Hypersensitivity; MAOIs (selegiline, amitraz)
• has or has had: Severe cardiac/renal/hepatic disease

• is pregnant, nursing, or used for breeding
• is taking any other medications, supplements, or flea/tick products, including:
  • MAOIs, tramadol, serotonergics
  • Cisapride (Perrin flag)
  • CYP substrates (theophylline etc.)
  • NSAIDs/anticoagulants

Storage and handling

Room temperature.

Good to know

• The rarely-chosen SSRI: potent CYP inhibition + cisapride interaction + no clear edge over fluoxetine/sertraline keeps it a back-pocket option.
• The overdose rescue pair to remember for ANY SSRI: cyproheptadine (serotonin blockade) + diazepam (seizures) — documented here at 1.1 mg/kg.
• 8-week trial discipline before judging (shared class rule).