Drug Class: Antidepressant, SSRI

Table of Contents

Overview

Luvox (fluvoxamine) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It works by decreasing urges to perform repeated tasks (compulsions such as checking, hand-washing, or counting). It also may decrease persistent/unwanted thoughts (obsessions) that interfere with daily life.

SSRIs work by restoring the balance of a brain neurotransmitter called serotonin by blocking its entry back into the nerve cells.

Your doctor may use fluvoxamine to treat other conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders, and depression.

This information is for educational purposes only. Not every known side effect, adverse effect, or drug interaction is in this database. If you have questions about your medicines, talk to your health care provider.

How to Take It

This medicine should be taken about the same time every day, morning or evening, and can be taken with or without food. It may up to 4 weeks to reach its full effect, but you may see symptoms of depression improving in one to two weeks. Make sure that you know how the medicine affects you before driving or performing other hazardous tasks.

Side Effects

Side effects that may occur while taking this medicine include:

  • nausea
  • headache
  • nervousness
  • sweating
  • drowsiness
  • lightheadedness
  • dizziness
  • sleep problems such as insomnia

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

  • decrease in sexual interest/ability
  • easy bruising/bleeding
  • shaking (tremor)
  • suicidal thoughts
  • seizures
  • irritability
  • mood or behavior changes
  • black stools
  • vomit that looks like coffee grounds
  • blurred vision

Warnings & Precautions

  • Do NOT stop taking this medicine abruptly without talking to your doctor. Do not take more of this medicine unless instructed by your doctor.
  • Luvox may increase serotonin levels and can cause a serious (rare) condition called serotonin syndrome/toxicity. If you are also taking other drugs that increase serotonin, this risk increases. Tell your doctor about all the drugs you take.
  • Tell your doctor if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, kidney or liver disease, any bleeding disorders, seizures, or heart disease.
  • Children may experience certain side effects of this drug, especially loss of appetite and weight loss. Their growth should be monitored.
  • Alcoholic beverages can increase the effects of this medicine and should be avoided.
  • Be cautious when driving or performing other hazardous activities. This medicine can impair judgment.
  • For an overdose, seek medical attention immediately. For non-emergencies, contact your local or regional poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

Drug Interactions

Talk to your doctor if you are taking certain antibiotics such as erythromycin, clarithromycin or azithromycin. This medicine should not be taken with MAO inhibitors.

Let your doctor know if you are taking any vitamin supplements or herbal products. St. John’s Wort should be avoided while taking fluvoxamine due to the increased side effects of too much serotonin.

Dosage & Missed Dose

Carefully follow the instructions on the prescription label when taking Luvox. This medicine is available as an extended release capsule (Luvox CR), which is usually taken once daily at bedtime, or in tablet form, which is usually taken once or twice daily.

Doses range from 50 milligrams (mg) to 300 mg.

Extended-release capsules should be swallowed whole, and should not be chewed or crushed.

If you miss a dose, take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses or take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

Storage

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (preferably not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed.

Pregnancy/Nursing

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It may harm an unborn baby. Do not stop taking this medication unless you have been directed to do so by your doctor. Untreated mental/mood problems (such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression or OCD) can be a serious condition. If you are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant, immediately discuss the benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy with your doctor.

This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

More Information

For more information, talk to your doctor, pharmacist. or health care provider, or you can visit this website, https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a695004.html for additional information from the manufacturer of this drug.