This multicentre, open, post-marketing study was conducted to investigate the efficacy and tolerability of fluvoxamine in patients with depressive disorders in China. A total of 120 Chinese patients were treated with fluvoxamine (50 mg/day for one week followed by 100-150 mg/day) for 6 weeks. The majority of patients (76.7%) were stabilised on a dose of 100 mg/day for the duration of the study. There was a significant clinical response to fluvoxamine; more than 85% of patients were considered responders at the end of the study as assessed by their improvement on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (greater than or equal to50% reduction in score). These findings were confirmed by the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) - Severity scale, CGI Improvement scale and CGI - Quality of life scale. Fluvoxamine was well tolerated; the most common adverse events were dry mouth, nausea and vomiting, and constipation. In conclusion, fluvoxamine at a dose of 100-150 mg/day is effective, safe and well-tolerated in the treatment of people with depression.