Luvox

Description

Luvox (Fluvoxamine Maleate)

What it’s for
Luvox is prescribed for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It’s an SSRI that helps restore serotonin balance in the brain, reducing anxiety and obsessive behaviors.

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How to Take

• Take exactly as prescribed, usually once daily at bedtime (unless your doctor says otherwise).
• Can be taken with or without food.
• Don’t skip doses and don’t stop suddenly without medical advice.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never double up.
• Your doctor may monitor you closely when starting or adjusting your dose.

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Storage

• Store at 77°F (25°C). Short storage between 59–86°F (15–30°C) is okay.
• Keep away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.

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Safety Information

Do not use if you:

• Are allergic to fluvoxamine or any ingredient in Luvox.
• Are taking or recently took an MAOI (e.g., phenelzine), St. John’s Wort, or certain restricted medicines like tizanidine, pimozide, thioridazine, sibutramine, alosetron.

Tell your doctor if you:

• Are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to be.
• Have a history of bipolar disorder, depression, suicidal thoughts, seizures, liver/heart issues, bleeding problems, diabetes, or substance abuse.
• Take any other medications (prescription, OTC, or herbal). Luvox can interact with many drugs including:
  • MAOIs, triptans, lithium, tramadol, anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin), NSAIDs, antipsychotics, beta-blockers, benzodiazepines, and some migraine, TB, or HIV medicines.

⚠️ Important warnings:

• May cause drowsiness, dizziness, or fainting – avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Children, teens, and young adults may have an increased risk of suicidal thoughts – close monitoring is required.
• Rare but serious risks: Serotonin syndrome, Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), or prolonged painful erections (seek emergency help).
• Use with extra caution in elderly patients or children.

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Possible Side Effects

Common (usually mild):

• Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach
• Drowsiness, dizziness, headache
• Dry mouth, nervousness, insomnia
• Increased sweating
• Decreased sexual ability

Serious (seek help immediately):

• Severe allergic reaction (rash, swelling, trouble breathing)
• Suicidal thoughts or worsening depression/anxiety
• Chest pain, irregular heartbeat, seizures, confusion, hallucinations
• Black/bloody stools, unusual bruising or bleeding
• Stiff muscles, tremor, fever, or agitation (possible serotonin syndrome/NMS)
• Painful or persistent erection

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✅ Always take Luvox as directed and never adjust your dose without your doctor’s advice.
❌ Do not share this medicine with others.