Drug title

Luvox (Fluvoxamine)

Application

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

Mode of application

Use Luvox as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the instructions on the label.

Luvox comes with additional information about the patient called leadership. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you are taking Luvox. The drug is taken with meals or after it.

Swallow the tablet whole without chewing.

Take Luvox at bedtime if your doctor tells you about it.

Continue to take Luvox even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

Sharp withdrawal of the drug may cause side-effects. They may include mood changes, numbness or tingling of the skin, dizziness, confusion, headache, trouble sleeping or unusual fatigue. Watch carefully when you receive Luvox and whenever the dose is changing.

The mechanism of action

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

Missed dose

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

Storage

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

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, fenfluramine derivatives (e.g. dexfenfluramine), an antagonist of H (e.g. astemizole, terfenadine), nefazodone, pimozide, ramelteon, sibutramine, thioridazine or tizanidine;
• you are recovering from recent heart attack.

Contact your doctor immediately if any of these items apply to you.

Some medicines 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 applies 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 supplements;
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods or other substances;
• If you or a family member has a history of bipolar disorder (manic-depressive), 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, problems of blood or bone marrow, or metabolism;
• If you have a meal, low sodium levels in the blood, or you drink alcohol and smoke;
• If you will be electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

Some medicines may interact with Luvox CR extended-release capsules. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Anorexiants (e.g. phentermine), fenfluramine derivatives (e.g. dexfenfluramine), linezolid, lithium, MAO inhibitors (e.g. phenelzine), medicines for mental problems (e.g. quetiapine), metoclopramide, nefazodone, quinidine, rasagiline, selegiline, serotonin 5 - HT1 receptor agonists (e.g. sumatriptan), sibutramine, St. John's wort, trazodone, or tryptophan, since there may be serious side effects such as fever, muscle tension, changes in blood pressure, mental changes, confusion, irritability, agitation, delirium and coma;
• Anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin), aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (e.g. ibuprofen) because the risk of bleeding, including stomach bleeding;
• Diuretics (e.g. furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide) because the risk of low sodium levels in the blood may be increased;
• Tramadol;
• Astemizole, cisapride, phenothiazines (e.g. chlorpromazine, thioridazine), pimozide, or terfenadine because they can cause serious heart problems, including irregular heartbeat;
• Cyproheptadine because it may reduce the effectiveness of Luvox CR extended-release capsules;
• 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 in patients receiving Luvox CR extended-release capsules.

Side effects

Consult your doctor if any of the most common side effects persist or become frequent:

• Constipation, decreased sexual ability, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, gas, headache, increased sweating, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, sore throat, indigestion, insomnia, vomiting and weakness.

Consult the doctor immediately if any of the serious side effects occur:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, shortness of breath, chest tightness, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bizarre behavior, black or bloody stools, chest pain, confusion, exaggerated reflexes, loss of consciousness; 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 menstruation; persistent, painful erection, redness, or peeling skin, seizures, severe or persistent trouble sleeping, muscle tension, stomach pain, suicidal thoughts or attempts; tremor, unusual bruising or bleeding, unusual or severe mental status or mood changes; unusual swelling and vision changes.

Additional information

Luvox should be used only on prescription.
If symptoms do not improve or become worse, consult the doctor.