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Luvox Antidepressant : Fluvoxamine

Brand Name : Fluvoxamine

Luvox (fluvoxamine maleate) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) marketed jointly by Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and the Upjohn Company. Luvox was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1993 for the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), a biological illness involving an imbalance of a brain chemical.  Fluvoxamine is now available in several inexpensive generic preparations.

Luvox is prescribed for obsessive compulsive disorder. An obsession is marked by continual, unwanted thoughts that prevent proper functioning in everyday living. Compulsive behavior is typified by ritualistic actions such as repetitious washing, repeating certain phrases, completing steps in a process over and over, counting and recounting, checking and rechecking to make sure that something has not been forgotten, excessive neatness, and hoarding of useless items. Luvox is the brand name for Fluvoxamine, an antidepressant and antiobsessional drug. Luvox is a Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI). It is often prescribed for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). This drug is used to relieve anxiety and unpleasant thoughts that cause a person to repeat certain tasks.

Uses of Luvox

• Fluvoxamine is used for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
• It also has been used in the treatment of major depression, management of obesity, bulimia, schizophrenia, and panic disorder.

How to Take Luvox

Luvox may be taken with or without food. Take fluvoxamine tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. You may take fluvoxamine with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.

What are the Side Effects of Luvox Medication

As with any medication, there are some side effects associated with Luvox in certain individuals. The most commonly observed side effects include:

• insomnia
• sleepiness
• nausea
• weakness
• sexual dysfunction
• nervousness
• dry mouth
• and constipation

Also, caution should be taken by patients who drive or operate machinery because Luvox may impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills.

Warnings and precautions before taking Luvox Medication

• This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages.
• Caution is advised when using this product in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug.
• It is recommended to avoid alcohol while taking this medicine.
• Starting doses and maximum doses are lower for patients over the age of 60.

What drugs may interact with Luvox Tablet

This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: alosetron, cisapride, diazepam, nefazodone, pimozide, ramelteon, sibutramine, thioridazine, tizanidine.

What to do if you take Overdose of Luvox ?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have taken too much of this medication. Symptoms of a fluoxetine overdose may include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• fever
• sleepiness
• rapid or uneven heartbeat
• confusion
• fainting
• seizures
• coma

How to Store Luvox ?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Store at or below room temperature (77 degrees F or 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.