What Is Luvox Used For?

Luvox contains fluvoxamine, which belongs to a group of medicines called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It helps treat mental health conditions by correcting chemical imbalances in the brain.

Primary Uses

Luvox is used to treat depression in adults only – it’s not recommended for children and teens with depression. It’s also used to treat obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) in adults and children 8 years and older. Depression involves longer-lasting low moods that affect your whole body, causing symptoms like feeling low, loss of interest, sleep problems, and lack of energy. OCD involves unwanted repeated thoughts (obsessions) and the need to repeat actions over and over (compulsions).

How It Works

Both depression and OCD are thought to be caused by chemical imbalances in parts of the brain. Luvox corrects this chemical imbalance and may help relieve symptoms of these conditions.

How to Take Luvox

Your doctor will determine the right dose for you. Take Luvox at the same time each day, with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water – don’t chew it.

Dosage Instructions

For depression and OCD in adults: Usually start with 50mg daily, but your doctor may adjust this up to a maximum of 300mg per day. If you need more than 150mg daily, divide the dose into 2 or 3 times per day. For OCD in children and teens: Usually start with 25mg daily, with a maximum of 200mg per day. Continue taking Luvox until your doctor tells you to stop, even if you feel better.

What If You Miss a Dose?

If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. If you have trouble remembering, ask your pharmacist for tips.

Side Effects

Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.

Common Side Effects

These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain
• constipation, diarrhea, heartburn
• loss of appetite, dry mouth
• drowsiness, difficulty sleeping
• dizziness, nervousness, headache
• muscle weakness, muscular pains
• pins and needles, abnormal taste
• faster heartbeat, sweating
• weight gain or loss
• restlessness, pacing

Important Warnings

There are several important safety considerations before taking Luvox. Always tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and other medications.

Who Should Not Take Luvox

Don’t take Luvox if you’re allergic to fluvoxamine or any ingredients, taking MAOIs (like moclobemide, selegiline) or stopped them less than 14 days ago, taking pimozide, cisapride, tizanidine, or ramelteon, are pregnant (unless your doctor confirms it’s needed), or are breastfeeding. Check with your doctor if you’re unsure about any medications you’re taking.

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Tell your doctor if you have bipolar disorder, other mental illness, liver or kidney problems, epilepsy, bleeding disorders, diabetes, glaucoma, sexual problems, or any allergies to medicines, foods, or preservatives.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Don’t use Luvox if pregnant unless your doctor tells you to. Don’t breastfeed while taking this medicine as it passes into breast milk. Babies exposed to SSRIs during the third trimester may experience withdrawal symptoms after birth. Taking SSRIs within one month before delivery may increase risk of heavy bleeding after childbirth.

Drug Interactions

Many medicines can interact with Luvox, affecting how it works or increasing side effects. Always tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take.

• MAOIs (moclobemide, selegiline) – can cause dangerous serotonin syndrome
• Other antidepressants (sertraline, amitriptyline, clomipramine, imipramine)
• Antipsychotics (clozapine, olanzapine, quetiapine, pimozide, haloperidol)
• Pain medications (tramadol, buprenorphine, methadone)
• Benzodiazepines (alprazolam, triazolam, midazolam, diazepam)
• NSAIDs (ibuprofen, diclofenac)
• Seizure medications (carbamazepine, phenytoin)
• Migraine medications (sumatriptan, zolmitriptan, eletriptan)
• Blood thinners (warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel)
• Cisapride, tizanidine, ramelteon
• Allergy medications (terfenadine, astemizole)
• Weight loss medication (phentermine)
• Asthma medication (theophylline)
• Immunosuppressant (ciclosporin)
• St John’s Wort, tryptophan

Alcohol & Driving

Luvox can affect your ability to drive safely and may interact with alcohol and caffeine. Take precautions to stay safe.

Alcohol

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Luvox. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Be careful driving or using machines until you know how Luvox affects you. This medicine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or sleepiness that can affect your alertness. Don’t drive or operate machinery if you experience these symptoms.

Caffeine

Minimize caffeine-containing drinks like coffee and tea while taking Luvox. This medicine can increase caffeine’s effects, potentially causing tremor, fast heartbeat, nausea, restlessness, and sleep problems.

Storage

Keep Luvox tablets in their original packaging in a cool, dry place below 25°C. Don’t store in the bathroom, near a sink, or leave in a hot car. Keep away from heat and dampness, which can damage the medicine. Store in a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters high, away from children. Don’t use after the expiry date or if packaging is damaged.

Overdose Information

If you think you’ve taken too much Luvox, seek immediate medical attention. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26 in Australia), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if you feel fine. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, dizziness, rapid or irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, liver problems, or serious complications like convulsions and coma.

Frequently Asked Questions