This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Luvox Consumer Information
LUVOX
Generic Name: fluvoxamine (flew VOCK sah meen)
Brand Names: Luvox
What is the most important information I should know about fluvoxamine?
- Do not stop taking fluvoxamine without first talking to your doctor. It may take 4 weeks or more for you to start feeling better and you may experience unpleasant side effects if you stop taking fluvoxamine suddenly.
What is fluvoxamine?
- Fluvoxamine is in a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Fluvoxamine affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
- Fluvoxamine is used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorders involving recurring thoughts or actions.
- Fluvoxamine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking fluvoxamine?
- Do not take fluvoxamine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) during the last 2 weeks. Serious, and sometimes fatal, reactions have occurred when these medicines have been used together.
- Do not take fluvoxamine without first talking to your doctor if you are taking thioridazine (Mellaril), cisapride (Propulsid), or pimozide (Orap). A dangerous interaction may occur if these medicines are used together. You must wait 5 weeks after stopping fluvoxamine before taking thioridazine (Mellaril).
- Before taking fluvoxamine, tell your doctor if you
- have liver disease;
- suffer from seizures; or
- suffer from mania or have suicidal thoughts.
- You may not be able to take fluvoxamine, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
- Fluvoxamine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take fluvoxamine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
- Fluvoxamine passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take fluvoxamine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take fluvoxamine?
- Take fluvoxamine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each dose with water.
- Fluvoxamine may be taken with or without food.
- Try to take fluvoxamine at the same time each day.
- Do not stop taking fluvoxamine without first talking to your doctor. It may take 4 weeks or more for you to start feeling better and you may experience unpleasant side effects if you stop taking fluvoxamine suddenly.
- Store fluvoxamine at room temperature away from heat and moisture.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention.
- Symptoms of a fluvoxamine overdose include nausea, vomiting, tremor, seizures, agitation, drowsiness, hyperactivity, and enlarged pupils.
What should I avoid while taking fluvoxamine?
- Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Fluvoxamine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
- Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness or dizziness while taking fluvoxamine.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.