fluvoxamine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical / Medical
Quick answer
What does “fluvoxamine” mean?
A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant medication used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant medication used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression.
A psychiatric medication belonging to the SSRI class, known chemically as fluvoxamine maleate, which works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. It is also investigated for other conditions like anxiety disorders and certain inflammatory conditions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Both refer to the same generic drug. The branded product name may vary by region (e.g., 'Faverin' in some markets vs. 'Luvox' in others).
Connotations
Neutral, technical term in both varieties. No specific cultural connotations.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, used only in medical/psychiatric contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “fluvoxamine” in a Sentence
The doctor prescribed [fluvoxamine] for OCD.She has been taking [fluvoxamine] for six months.[Fluvoxamine] can cause nausea initially.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fluvoxamine” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The fluvoxamine dosage was adjusted.
- Fluvoxamine therapy can be effective.
American English
- The fluvoxamine prescription was filled.
- Fluvoxamine treatment requires monitoring.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in pharmaceutical industry reports.
Academic
Used in medical, psychiatric, and pharmacological research papers.
Everyday
Very rare; used only when discussing specific medication with a doctor or pharmacist.
Technical
Primary context. Used in clinical practice, patient notes, drug manuals, and medical discussions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “fluvoxamine”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fluvoxamine”
- Misspelling: 'fluvoxamine', 'fluvoxamin'.
- Pronouncing it as /flʌˈvɒksəmiːn/ (incorrect stress).
- Using it as a countable noun without an article (e.g., 'I take fluvoxamines').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and major depressive disorder.
No, 'fluvoxamine' is the generic (non-brand) name. Common brand names include Luvox and Faverin.
It works by increasing the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain, by preventing its reuptake.
No, it should not be stopped abruptly. Dosage should be reduced gradually under medical supervision to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant medication used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression.
Fluvoxamine is usually technical / medical in register.
Fluvoxamine: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfluːvɒkˈsæmiːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfluːvɑːkˈsæmiːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Flu' (like influenza) + 'vox' (voice in Latin) + 'amine' (chemical group). 'Flu' affecting the 'voice' in your brain (serotonin), which is an 'amine' chemical.
Conceptual Metaphor
DRUG AS TOOL/CORRECTIVE AGENT: 'Fluvoxamine is a key to rebalancing brain chemistry.'
Practice
Quiz
Fluvoxamine is primarily classified as what type of drug?