Luvox Drug Info
Luvox Drug Uses: Luvox is used for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, like other SSRIs, it also has been used in the treatment of major depression, management of obesity, bulimia, schizophrenia, and panic disorder.
How to Use Luvox: The usual starting dose for adults is 50 mg given as a single dose in the morning. The dose may be increased by 50 mg increments every 4-7 days to achieve the desired response. The maximum dose is 300 mg/day. Doses greater than 100 mg should administered as a divided dose. Children (8 to 17 years old) should start with 25 mg daily, and the dose may be increased by 25 mg every 4-7 days up to a maximum of 200 mg/day. Doses greater than 50 mg should be administered as a divided dose.
Luvox Precautions: There are no adequate studies of fluvoxamine in pregnant women. Luvox is excreted into breast milk. There are no adequate studies in lactating women.
Luvox Drug Interactions: All SSRIs, including fluvoxamine, should not be taken with any of the mono-amine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) class of antidepressants such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), and procarbazine (Matulane). Such combinations may lead to confusion, high blood pressure, tremor, and increased activity. Fluvoxamine should not be administered within 14 days of discontinuing an MAO inhibitor. This same type of interaction also may occur with selegiline (Eldepryl), fenfluramine (Pondimin), and dexfenfluramine (Redux). Fluvoxamine can inhibit the elimination of clozapine (Clozaril), necessitating dosage reductions of clozapine. Fluvoxamine may also inhibit the elimination and increase the blood levels of theophylline (Theodur, Uniphyl), warfarin (Coumadin), alprazolam (Xanax), and triazolam (Halcion).
Luvox Possible Side Effects: Side effects of all SSRIs include anxiety, nervousness, sweating, nausea, decreased appetite, constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, somnolence (sleepiness), dizziness, insomnia, and sexual disfunction. Withdrawal of an SSRI may result in withdrawal symptoms. The most common symptoms of withdrawal are dizziness, tiredness, tingling of the extremities, nausea, vivid dreams, irritability, and poor mood. Other symptoms include visual disturbances and headaches. Withdrawal reactions have been reported after an average of 12 to 36 weeks of treatment, but after as few as 5 weeks. Although most authorities recommend treatment discontinuation by gradually reducing the dose, symptoms may still occur. Symptoms generally appear within a few days of discontinuing medication and persist for an average of 12 days (up to 21 days). They are relieved within 24 hours by re-administering the medication that was discontinued. Antidepressants may increase the risk of suicide in children and adolescents. There are concerns that antidepressants may also induce suicides in adults. Patients with major depression may experience worsening of depression or suicidal thoughts regardless of whether or not they are treated. Therefore, patients started on antidepressants should be closely observed for signs of worsening suicidal thinking or changes in behavior.
Luvox Overdose: Seek emergency medical attention immediately if an overdose is suspected. Symptoms of Luvox overdose include: mood changes, itching, fast heartbeat, sensation of heaviness in the head. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Luvox Storage: Store Luvox at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Avoid excessive heat. Avoid freezing. Keep out of the reach of children. Dispense of this medicine in a tight, light-resistant container. Do not store Luvox in the bathroom.
Luvox Missed Dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Disclaimer: The information found on this website is for informational purposes only. It does not cover all possible uses, procedures, safety measures, side effects, or drug interactions of the products. We are not responsible for the accuracy and reliability of this drug information, or any consequences arising from the use of this information. This is only general information and should not be relied on for any purpose.
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