Indications 

Luvox is a prescription medicine indicated to treat symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a mental illness characterized by recurrent unwanted thoughts or sensations (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions), which may occur together in some individuals. 

Belonging to the class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), Luvox works by elevating the quantity of serotonin, an innate brain chemical that aids in preserving mental stability. 

Uses and Dosage 

Before taking Luvox and every time you get a refill, carefully review its medication guide and patient information leaflet. Consult with your physician or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns. 

Luvox dosage may vary per individual based on their medical condition, response to the treatment, age, and concurrent medication usage. To minimize adverse effects, your physician may advise a gradual dosage escalation starting from a lower dose. 

Luvox is generally administered orally per the doctor’s instructions, usually once at bedtime or twice a day (morning and bedtime), with or without food. When taking it twice a day and the doses differ, take the higher dose at bedtime. 

Take Luvox regularly around the same time daily, exactly as directed. Refrain from altering the dosage or frequency of intake without consulting your physician. 

Do not discontinue Luvox without consulting your doctor, even if you feel better, as sudden cessation may result in withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor will likely reduce the dosage gradually. 

Side Effects 

Listed below are potential adverse reactions associated with the use of Luvox. Inform your doctor or pharmacist promptly if any of them last or worsen. 

Common Side Effects 

• Drowsiness, dizziness, and weakness 
• Signs of anxiety, depression, agitation, and difficulty sleeping 
• Increased muscle movements and shaking 
• Digestive issues such as upset stomach, gas, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea 
• Uncomfortable sensations like dry mouth, yawning, and sore throat 
• Physical discomforts, including muscle pain and sweating, as well as rash 
• Heavy menstrual periods 
• Possible sexual dysfunction 

Serious Side Effects 

• Emotional symptoms: anxiety, racing thoughts, risk-taking behavior, insomnia, extreme happiness, or irritability 
• Vision changes: blurred vision, eye pain/redness, halos around lights 
• Seizure 
• Changes in weight/appetite 
• Unusual bleeding/bruising 
• Signs of low blood sodium: headache, confusion, memory problems, weakness, instability 

Call your doctor at once if you experience any of the serious side effects listed above. 

Seek immediate medical assistance if you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome:  

• Agitation 
• Hallucinations 
• Fever 
• Sweating 
• Shivering 
• Rapid heart rate 
• Muscle stiffness 
• Twitching 
• Loss of coordination 
• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea 

In rare cases, males may experience a prolonged or painful erection lasting for 4 or more hours while using this medication. Immediate medical attention should be sought if this happens, as permanent problems could result if left untreated. 

Allergic Reactions 

Although uncommon, a severe allergic reaction to Luvox may occur. Immediate medical assistance should be sought if symptoms below is observed: 

• Rash 
• Severe dizziness 
• Trouble breathing 
• Facial, tongue, or throat itching/swelling 

The enumerated side effects of Luvox are not exhaustive. Should you encounter any unlisted symptoms that are bothersome, promptly inform your physician. 

Cautions 

Before starting treatment with Luvox, inform your healthcare provider or pharmacist about any allergies you may have had, especially to fluvoxamine or any other medicine. 

Inactive components in this medication may trigger allergic reactions or cause other issues. Obtain a list of ingredients from your pharmacist for further details. 

To ensure that Luvox is safe for you, disclose to your doctor your medical history, particularly of:  

• Personal or family history of: 
  • Bipolar or manic-depressive disorder 
  • Suicide attempts 
  • Angle-closure glaucoma 
• Liver disease 
• Seizures 
• Low blood sodium 
• Bleeding disorders 

Luvox may interact with certain products, including: 

• Drugs that can cause bleeding/bruising, such as antiplatelet medications (e.g., clopidogrel) 
• NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen/naproxen) 
• Blood thinners (e.g., dabigatran/warfarin) 

Luvox may also impact the removal of other drugs from your body, which could affect their efficacy. Medicines that may be affected include: 

• Alosetron 
• Clozapine 
• Methadone 
• Melatonin 
• Ramelteon 
• Tacrine 
• Certain benzodiazepines (e.g. alprazolam/diazepam/triazolam) 
• Certain beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol/propranolol) 
• Tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., imipramine) 

Combining aspirin with Luvox can increase the risk of bleeding. Nonetheless, if low-dose aspirin (usually 81-162 milligrams daily) has been prescribed by your doctor for heart attack or stroke prevention, you should continue taking it unless advised otherwise.  

Do not take Luvox with an MAO inhibitor or within 14 days of stopping an MAO inhibitor. Dangerous drug interactions can occur. MAO inhibitors include: 

• Isocarboxazid 
• Linezolid 
• Methylene blue injection 
• Phenelzine 
• Tranylcypromine 

To prevent drug interactions, inform your healthcare provider and pharmacist of all current and planned medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, supplements, and herbal products, before taking Luvox. 

Inform your healthcare provider if you use tobacco products, as cigarette smoking may reduce the efficacy of this medication. 

Luvox enhances the effects of caffeine. Avoid consuming excessive amounts of caffeine-containing beverages such as coffee, tea, and colas or eating large quantities of chocolate while taking this medication. It is also recommended to refrain from taking over-the-counter products containing caffeine. 

Taking Luvox may cause drowsiness and impair your judgment, thinking, or motor skills. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you. 

Inform your healthcare provider and laboratory personnel that you are taking Luvox as it may interfere with certain medical and laboratory tests, including brain scans for Parkinson’s disease, leading to inaccurate test results. 

Regular monitoring of a child’s height and weight is recommended while taking Luvox, as it may have an impact on their growth. 

Luvox may cause angle-closure glaucoma, resulting in a sudden increase in eye pressure and vision loss. Before taking this medication, consult your doctor to schedule an eye exam. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience symptoms such as nausea, eye pain, changes in vision, or swelling/redness in or around the eye. 

Luvox can potentially cause QT prolongation, a condition that affects the heart rhythm and can cause serious, sometimes fatal, symptoms such as fast/irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, and fainting, which require immediate medical attention. 

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, particularly in the last few months, or planning to conceive. If you become pregnant during Luvox treatment, contact your doctor immediately because this medication may pose risks to newborns if taken in the final months of pregnancy. 

Breastfeeding women should consult with their doctor before taking Luvox as it passes into breast milk and may have adverse effects on the nursing infant.