Drug Name

Luvox (Fluvoxamine)

Drug Uses

Luvox is used for treating social anxiety disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to use

Use Luvox as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Luvox comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get Luvox refilled. Take Luvox by mouth with or without food.
Swallow Luvox whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.
Take Luvox at bedtime unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Continue to take Luvox even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
Do not suddenly stop taking Luvox without checking with your doctor. Side effects may occur. They may include mental or mood changes, numbness or tingling of the skin, dizziness, confusion, headache, trouble sleeping, or unusual tiredness. You will be closely monitored when you start Luvox and whenever a change in dose is made.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Luvox is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It works by restoring the balance of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain, which helps to decrease anxiety and obsessive or compulsive behavior.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Luvox, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Luvox at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Luvox out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Luvox if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Luvox.
• you are taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (e.g., phenelzine), selegiline, or St. John's wort within the last 14 days;
• you are taking alosetron, cisapride, a fenfluramine derivative (e.g., dexfenfluramine), an H antagonist (e.g., astemizole, terfenadine), nefazodone, pimozide, ramelteon, sibutramine, thioridazine, or tizanidine.
• you are recovering from a recent heart attack.

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Some medical conditions may interact with Luvox CR Extended-Release Capsules. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you or a family member has a history of bipolar disorder (manic-depression), other mental or mood problems, suicidal thoughts or attempts, or alcohol or substance abuse
• if you have a history of seizures, heart problems, liver problems, stomach or bowel bleeding, diabetes, blood or bone marrow problems, or metabolism problems
• if you are dehydrated, have low blood sodium levels, or drink alcohol or smoke
• if you will be having electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Luvox CR Extended-Release Capsules. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Anorexiants (eg, phentermine), fenfluramine derivatives (eg, dexfenfluramine), linezolid, lithium, MAOIs (eg, phenelzine), medicines for mental problems (eg, quetiapine), metoclopramide, nefazodone, quinidine, rasagiline, selegiline, serotonin 5-HT1 receptor agonists (eg, sumatriptan), sibutramine, St. John's wort, trazodone, or tryptophan because severe side effects, such as a reaction that may include fever, rigid muscles, blood pressure changes, mental changes, confusion, irritability, agitation, delirium, and coma, may occur
• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), aspirin, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen) because the risk of bleeding, including stomach bleeding, may be increased
• Diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide) because the risk of low blood sodium levels may be increased
• Tramadol because the risk of seizures may be increased
• Astemizole, cisapride, phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine, thioridazine), pimozide, or terfenadine because severe heart problems, including irregular heartbeat, may occur
• Cyproheptadine because it may decrease Luvox CR Extended-Release Capsules's effectiveness
• Alosetron, aripiprazole, benzodiazepines (eg, alprazolam, diazepam), beta-blockers (eg, metoprolol, propranolol), carbamazepine, clozapine, diltiazem, methadone, mexiletine, phenytoin, ramelteon, risperidone, serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (eg, venlafaxine), tacrine, theophylline, tizanidine, or tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Luvox CR Extended-Release Capsules

Possible Side Effects

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

• Constipation; decreased sexual ability; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; gas; headache; increased sweating; loss of appetite; nausea; nervousness; sore throat; stomach upset; trouble sleeping; vomiting; weakness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bizarre behavior; black or bloody stools; chest pain; confusion; exaggerated reflexes; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever; hallucinations; memory loss; new or worsening agitation, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, aggressiveness, impulsiveness, irritability, hostility, exaggerated feeling of well-being, restlessness, or inability to sit still; painful menstrual periods; persistent, painful erection; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; severe or persistent trouble sleeping; stiff muscles; stomach pain; suicidal thoughts or attempts; tremor; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual or severe mental or mood changes; unusual swelling; vision changes.

More Information

Luvox is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.