Luvox, the brand name of the drug fluvoxamine, is part of a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This medication is only available via prescription and is used to treat social anxiety and obsessive compulsive thoughts and behaviors. It brings relief by increasing the amount of serotonin—a neurotransmitter that affects mood—in the body. In certain instances, this medication may be used to treat symptoms of depression.

Dosage FAQs

Warnings Before Use

Antidepressant medications such as Luvox have reportedly caused an increase in suicidal thoughts or behavior in some children, teens, or young adults under 24. Ask your doctor about the risks associated with this drug and if they are outweighed by the benefits you may experience.

Talk to your doctor before you take Luvox if you have ever had seizures, blood clotting issues, or problems with your liver, adrenal glands, kidney, or heart. Let your doctor know if you take or have taken street drugs, or if you use alcohol frequently; these substances may interfere with this medication. You should also mention any serious reactions you may have had to other similar medications.

Luvox may interact with other medications or supplements, including monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, other antidepressants, migraine medications, antihistamines, antacids, anticoagulants, anxiolytics, herbal supplements, sleeping pills, antipsychotics, blood pressure medications, and more.

Serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition, may develop if another SSRI is taken along with Luvox.

Considerations During Use

This medication, in addition to many SSRIs, carries significant risks of which to be aware including some of the following:

Possible Side Effects

Call your doctor right away if you experience serious or severe side effects from taking this medication. Serious side effects may include:

Less serious side effects of this drug may include:

Withdraw from Luvox

If you need to stop taking this medication, your doctor will work with you to slowly reduce the amount of Luvox you take over time. Symptoms of withdrawal may include:

Inform your doctor if you experience any withdrawal symptoms.

References:

  1. Citizens Commission on Human Rights International. (2012). The side effects of common psychiatric drugs. Retrieved from http://www.cchrint.org/pdfs/The_Side_Effects_of_Common_Psychiatric_Drugs.pdf
  2. Drugs.com. (2014). Luvox. Retrieved from http://www.drugs.com/mtm/luvox.html
  3. Medline Plus. (2014). Fluvoxamine. Retrieved from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a695004.html
  4. RxList. (2011). Luvox. Retrieved from http://www.rxlist.com/luvox-drug.htm
  5. United States Food and Drug Administration. (2014). Medication guide: Fluvoxamine tablets. Retrieved from http://www.fda.gov/downloads/drugs/drugsafety/ucm249169.pdf

Page content reviewed by James Pendleton, ND.