Luvox

The active ingredient in Luvox is fluvoxamine maleate, which is not to be confused with fluoxetine. Luvox is an SSRI or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. It increases serotonin levels in the brain, which can help alleviate OCD symptoms.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Luvox. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Luvox:

• Take fluvoxamine with or without food, and if taking the extended-release version once a day, take it at bedtime.
• Swallow entire. Avoid chewing, opening, or crushing.
• Even if you are feeling well, continue to take Luvox as directed by your doctor or other health care professional.

The most common side effects of fluvoxamine include:

• Nausea.
• Headaches.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Sleepiness or drowsiness.
• Dry mouth.
• Dizziness.
• Upset stomach.
• Loss of appetite.
• Weight loss or weight gain.
• Constipation.
• Sexual problems such as low sex drive or delayed ejaculation.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Luvox. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
• Seizures.
• Serotonin syndrome: rapid heartbeat, perspiration, muscle stiffness or spasms, fever, and confusion.
• Serious bleeding: persistent bruising, black-colored feces, pink or red urine, and unusual bleeding from the nose or gums.
• Low sodium levels: weakness, confusion, difficulty concentrating, headaches, and memory issues.
• Severe allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling in the face or tongue, and rash.
• Worsening glaucoma.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Luvox. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Luvox, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Drugs like this one have increased the likelihood of suicide ideation or behavior in children and young adults. People who have previously had similar ideas or actions may be at increased risk. If you notice new or worsening symptoms such as low mood (depression), anxiousness, restlessness, grouchiness, panic attacks, or changes in mood or actions, contact your doctor straight once.
• This medication is not approved for use in all children. Consult with a doctor to ensure that Luvox is appropriate for your kid.
• If you are allergic to Luvox, any component of Luvox, or any other medication, food, or substance. Tell your doctor about the allergies and the symptoms you had.
• Avoid driving and other duties or activities that require alertness until you know how Luvox affects you.
• Avoid consuming alcohol while taking Luvox.

Contraindications are certain health problems or situations in which a person should avoid taking a drug for safety reasons. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, please notify your healthcare professional since Luvox is not safe for you to consume.

• Currently on tizanidine (Zanaflex), thioridazine, alosetron (Lotronex), pimozide, linezolid, and IV methylene blue.
• Taking any monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) drug within the last 14 days, or beginning an MAOI medication within 14 days of discontinuing fluvoxamine.

It may take 4 to 6 weeks of taking Luvox before you notice an improvement in your OCD symptoms. For some people, however, it may take 10 to 12 weeks. Be patient, and do not discontinue using this medicine without first consulting your mental health professional.

When Luvox is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Opioid pain medicines, such as tramadol, methadone, or fentanyl.
• Certain medicines for abnormal heart rhythm, such as amiodarone or mexiletine.
• NSAIDS like ibuprofen or naproxen.
• MAOIs within the last 14 days. This comprises isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline, rasagiline, linezolid, and methylene blue. It is possible to get extremely high blood pressure.
• Certain antipsychotics such as thioridazine, ziprasidone, clozapine, or chlorpromazine.
• Benzodiazepines such as alprazolam.
• A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as paroxetine and sertraline or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) like venlafaxine.
• A tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) such as amitriptyline or nortriptyline.
• Certain medications for seizures like carbamazepine and phenytoin.
• Migraine medications such as sumatriptan and almotriptan.
• Warfarin.
• Lithium.
• Alosetron.
• Pimozide.
• Ramelteon.
• Tizanidine.
• Theophylline.
• St. John’s Wort.
• Tryptophan.

The typical dose for immediate-release tablets:

Adults: A normal starting dose of fluvoxamine is 50 mg taken orally at bedtime. Your dose will be adjusted based on your response to the drug. The maximum daily dose is 300 mg, administered in divided doses.

Children (8 to 17 years old): The typical starting dose is 25 mg orally at bedtime. Your child's dose will be adjusted depending on their response to the drug. The maximum daily dose is 200 mg, administered in divided doses.

Extended-release capsules:

Adults: The typical starting dose is 100 mg orally at bedtime. Your doctor may increase your dose weekly, up to the maximum of 300 mg per day.

If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as possible. If it is close to your next dose, skip it and return to your routine schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Store Luvox at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.

The pharmaceutical company that manufactures Luvox is Jazz Pharmaceuticals.

Yes, there are several lower-cost generics available.

Do not discontinue taking Luvox abruptly without consulting your doctor. You may be at a higher risk for side effects or withdrawal symptoms. If you need to stop, you should do so gradually, as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

If you become pregnant or plan to become pregnant, notify your provider. A limited study has found no apparent association between fluvoxamine and significant birth defects or an increased chance of miscarriage, although further research is needed in these areas. Babies born to moms who used SSRIs during pregnancy are more likely to have problems such as difficulty feeding and sleeping. Your provider can discuss your choices for treating OCD while pregnant.

Luvox passes through your breast milk, which can potentially harm the baby. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.