Luvox (Fluvoxamine)

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.

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.

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.

• 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)

• 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

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.

• 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.

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.