What is Luvox (Fluvoxamine) prescribed for?

Luvox is a medication used in the treatment towards Obsessive-Compulsive disorder, or commonly known as OCD.

OCD is a mental illness that causes you to have unwanted thoughts of sensations and obsessions and to have them repeat over and over again in your mind. It’s also an urge to do something over and over again. Some people with OCD can have both obsession and compulsions.

Such examples of an obsessive thought might be that of certain numbers or colors are “good” or “bad”, while a compulsive habit might be to wash ones hands seven times after touching something that could be dirty, or to count and check on something repeatedly. And while you may not want to think or do these things, you feel powerless to stop.

This medication is known to have a selective reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), and it works by helping to restore the balance of a certain natural substance known as serotonin, within the brain.

This medication is usually taken once a day at bedtime, and it can be taken with or without food.  Sometimes it is prescribed at twice a day, which would be once in the morning and once at bed time. However follow the instructions your doctor has provided.

Remember the dosage is based on your medical condition and your response to the treatment. As well your doctor will take into consideration your age and other medications you may be taking at the time. Keep in mind that in order to reduce the risk of any side effects your doctor may start you at a lower dosage and gradually increase it as time goes on.

It may take up to several weeks before you gain the full benefit of this medciation.

Before taking this medication, it is best to advise your doctor if you are allergic to Fluvoxamine; or to any other medications or allergies in general.

Also it is best to notify your doctor of your medical history. Inform you doctor if you have had any serious health issues in the past, such as; personal or family history of bipolar/manic-depressive disorder, personal or family history of suicide attempts, liver problems, seizures, low sodium in the blood, intestinal ulcers/bleeding (peptic ulcer disease) or bleeding problems, personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type).

Fluvoxamine may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away.

The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using fluvoxamine, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death).

Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics "water pills") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using fluvoxamine safely.

Some of these side effects may occur when taking this medication; they are as follows; Nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness, loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, weakness, and sweating may occur. However if any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor right away.

If you are experiencing any of these rare but very serious side effects, seek medical help right away. The side effects are as follows; easy bruising/bleeding, shaking (tremor), decrease in sexual interest/ability.

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: fainting, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, seizures, eye pain/swelling/redness, widened pupils, vision changes (such as seeing rainbows around lights at night, blurred vision).

This medication may increase serotonin and rarely cause a very serious condition called serotonin syndrome/toxicity. The risk increases if you are also taking other drugs that increase serotonin, so tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take (see Drug Interactions section). Get medical help right away if you develop some of the following symptoms: fast heartbeat, hallucinations, loss of coordination, severe dizziness, severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, twitching muscles, unexplained fever, unusual restlessness.

Rarely, males may have a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours. If this occurs, stop using this drug and get medical help right away, or permanent problems could occur.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

What happens if I suddenly stop taking this medication?

There may be a relapse in symptoms as well as side effects. You should speak your doctor before stop taking this medication.

 What is the best dosage to take?

The diagnosis with your doctor will be able to determine the best dosage for your treatment. Work with your doctor closely for dosage and dosing schedules.

 What happens if I miss a dose?

You should take the missed dose as soon you realize you have forgotten. If the forgotten dose is closer to your next scheduled dose, take the next schedule dose to avoid overlapping in dose.

 What is the best way to store this medication?

This medication is stored at room temperature, and should be kept away from children and pets. Do not throw away this medication in the wastebasket. If you are uncertain how to dispose of this medication speak with your pharmacist for help in safely disposing of this medication.