Home/Medicines/Fluvoxamine
All medicines

Fluvoxamine

Prescription
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
1 available
Interactions
3 documented
Formulations
2

Mechanism of action

Selectively inhibits serotonin (5-HT) reuptake at the presynaptic neuron, increasing serotonergic neurotransmission. Also has sigma-1 receptor agonist activity (neuroprotective). No significant activity at norepinephrine, dopamine, or histamine receptors.

At a glance

Class
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store at room temperature below 30°C, protect from moisture

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Used for compulsive disorders (acral lick dermatitis, tail chasing), anxiety, an
Dose
1–2 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
q12–24h
🐈

Cat

Used for urine spraying, compulsive grooming (psychogenic alopecia), and anxiety
Dose
0.5–1 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
q24h

Formulations

💊

Other — 2

Strength
—
Strength
—

Storage

Store at room temperature below 30°C, protect from moisture

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Behavioral response at 4–8 weeksGI toleranceSeizure activityDrug interaction review

Interactions

Contraindicated — 1

Selegiline (L-Deprenyl)
contraindicated
SSRI + MAO inhibitor: serotonin syndrome — potentially fatal.
Management: NEVER combine. Allow 2-week washout of either before starting the other.

Major — 2

Aminophylline
major
Fluvoxamine is the most potent SSRI inhibitor of CYP1A2, which metabolizes theophylline. Increases theophylline levels 3-fold, causing seizures and cardiac arrhythmias.
Management: NEVER combine. If SSRI needed with theophylline/aminophylline, use sertraline (minimal CYP1A2 effect).
Tramadol
major
Both serotonergic. Fluvoxamine also inhibits CYP1A2 and CYP2D6, altering tramadol metabolism.
Management: Avoid. Use non-serotonergic analgesic.

Brands

Other markets

Luvox

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Fluvoxamine?
Fluvoxamine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (ssri) used in pets. Selectively inhibits serotonin (5-HT) reuptake at the presynaptic neuron, increasing serotonergic neurotransmission. Also has sigma-1 receptor agonist activity (neuroprotective). No significant activity at norepinephrine, dopamine, or histamine receptors.
›What is Fluvoxamine used for in pets?
Fluvoxamine is used in veterinary medicine for: Used for compulsive disorders (acral lick dermatitis, tail chasing), anxiety, an; Used for urine spraying, compulsive grooming (psychogenic alopecia), and anxiety.
›What is the Fluvoxamine dose for dogs?
For dogs, Fluvoxamine is typically dosed as follows — Used for compulsive disorders (acral lick dermatitis, tail chasing), anxiety, an: 1–2 mg/kg PO q12–24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Fluvoxamine dose for cats?
For cats, Fluvoxamine is typically dosed as follows — Used for urine spraying, compulsive grooming (psychogenic alopecia), and anxiety: 0.5–1 mg/kg PO q24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Fluvoxamine need a prescription?
Yes. Fluvoxamine is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor).

Fluoxetine
Rx
Selectively inhibits serotonin (5-HT) reuptake at presynaptic neurons, increasing serotonergic neurotransmission; used for anxiety-based behavioural disorders
dogcat
Paroxetine
Rx
Most potent and selective SSRI that blocks serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT), increasing serotonergic neurotransmission. Also has mild anticholinergic and norepinephrine reuptake inhibition. Used for anxiety, compulsive disorders, and aggression.
dogcat
Sertraline
Rx
Selectively inhibits presynaptic reuptake of serotonin, increasing serotonergic neurotransmission in the CNS
dogcat