Luvox (Fluvoxamine): Uses, Side Effects, Dosage, & More

What Is Luvox (Fluvoxamine)?

Fluvoxamine is a generic medication and is also available as the brand name Luvox. It is an antidepressant medication that belongs to a group of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It works by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain, which helps regulate mood and can alleviate symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It is approved for treating OCD in adults and children ages 8 and older.

How Does Fluvoxamine Work?

Fluvoxamine works by helping to balance certain chemicals in the brain that play a role in mood regulation. It does this by increasing the neurotransmitter serotonin levels, which contributes to feelings of happiness and well-being. By boosting serotonin levels, fluvoxamine maleate helps improve communication between brain cells, which can positively impact mood and alleviate symptoms of OCD. This improved communication can help people feel better and more capable of managing their emotions.²

What Is Fluvoxamine Used to Treat?

Fluvoxamine brand name is a medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat specific conditions.¹ When a medication is FDA-approved, the agency has carefully reviewed and evaluated its safety and effectiveness for a particular use. Fluvoxamine maleate is FDA-approved for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in adults and children aged 8 and older. OCD is a mental health condition characterized by intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors that can significantly impact a person’s daily life.

It’s important to note that while fluvoxamine is approved for OCD, healthcare providers may also prescribe it for other non-FDA-approved conditions. This is known as “off-label” use. An off-label use of a medication is when it is prescribed for a purpose that is not specifically mentioned in its FDA approval. Healthcare professionals might use fluvoxamine off-label, for instance, to help manage symptoms of depression, anxiety disorders, or other mental health conditions. They do so based on their expertise and judgment, believing that the medication could provide benefits even though its official approval may not extend to those particular uses.³

Is Fluvoxamine the Same as Prozac?

No, fluvoxamine is not the same as Prozac. While both medications belong to the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, they are distinct drugs with differences in their chemical structures and how they are metabolized in the body. These differences can lead to variations in effectiveness and potential fluvoxamine side effects for different individuals. They also have different FDA-approved uses and dosages. It’s important to consult a healthcare professional to determine which medication suits a person’s medical needs.⁴

Fluvoxamine Warnings & Precautions

Precautions for taking fluvoxamine are essential to ensure safe and effective use of the medication. It’s important to be aware of these warnings and to promptly seek medical attention if any concerns arise during treatment.

Fluvoxamine warnings and precautions include:

• Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding: Fluvoxamine should be used cautiously during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Consult your healthcare provider to weigh the benefits against the risks to the unborn or nursing infant.
• Serotonin syndrome: There is a risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition when fluvoxamine is taken along with other serotonergic medications. Symptoms include agitation, hallucinations, rapid heartbeat, fever, muscle stiffness, and more. Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking.
• Increased bleeding risk: Fluvoxamine may increase the risk of bleeding, particularly if you have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood-thinning medications. Inform your healthcare provider if you have a history of bleeding issues.
• Withdrawal symptoms: Abruptly discontinuing fluvoxamine can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, headache, nausea, irritability, and sleep disturbances. It’s important to reduce the dosage under medical supervision gradually.
• Suicidal thoughts: Like many antidepressants, fluvoxamine may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts, especially in young adults and adolescents. Close monitoring is crucial, especially at the beginning of treatment. In fact, fluvoxamine carries a black box warning, the most serious kind of warning from the FDA, for this risk.
• Manic episodes: Fluvoxamine may trigger manic episodes in individuals with bipolar disorder. If you experience symptoms of mania, such as excessive energy, racing thoughts, and impulsive behavior, contact your healthcare provider.
• Liver function: Fluvoxamine may affect liver function, so regular monitoring of liver enzymes may be necessary, especially if you have a history of liver problems.
• Allergic Reactions: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience allergic reactions such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
• Hyponatremia: Fluvoxamine can lead to low sodium levels in the blood, causing symptoms like confusion, headache, and weakness. Regular monitoring is advised, especially for older adults.
• Glaucoma. Fluvoxamine can cause angle closure glaucoma in people who have narrow angles. Talk with your healthcare professional about any eye conditions or issues you’ve had.
• Seizures. Fluvoxamine may increase your risk for seizures. Tell your healthcare professional if you’ve ever had a seizure or epilepsy.
• Sexual dysfunction. Fluvoxamine can cause sexual dysfunction. Talk with your healthcare professional about the risks and benefits of taking fluvoxamine.
• Interaction with certain medications: Fluvoxamine may interact with other medications, affecting their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking.¹

Interactions With Fluvoxamine

Interactions with fluvoxamine can be concerning, potentially affecting its effectiveness and leading to adverse effects when combined with certain substances. It’s important to be cautious and informed about these potential interactions to ensure your well-being during treatment.

Substances you should avoid while taking fluvoxamine include:

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): Combining fluvoxamine with MAOIs, a type of antidepressant, can lead to a dangerous increase in serotonin levels, causing serotonin syndrome. This condition can result in symptoms like confusion, rapid heartbeat, and even life-threatening complications.
• Antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications: Fluvoxamine can interact with these blood-thinning drugs, increasing the risk of bleeding. This interaction may lead to difficulties in clotting and potential complications.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Taking NSAIDs alongside fluvoxamine may heighten the risk of bleeding due to their impact on blood clotting. This interaction can potentially lead to increased bruising and bleeding.
• Warfarin: Fluvoxamine can interfere with the metabolism of warfarin, a common blood thinner. This interaction might lead to fluctuations in the effectiveness of warfarin, potentially impacting its ability to prevent blood clots.¹

This is not a comprehensive list of possible interactions with fluvoxamine. Talk with your healthcare professional about all prescription and over-the-counter medications, herbs, and supplements you take or plan to take before starting fluvoxamine.

Side Effects of Fluvoxamine

Fluvoxamine’s direct impact on brain chemistry can lead to various side effects. Some may persist for the duration of medication use, such as sexual dysfunction and sleep disturbances. Temporary effects, like initial heightened anxiety and gastrointestinal discomfort, often arise as the body adapts to the treatment. Monitoring these effects and discussing any concerns with a healthcare provider is essential for managing the overall impact of fluvoxamine.⁵

Common Fluvoxamine Side Effects

Common fluvoxamine side effects should be acknowledged, as they might affect specific individuals. While these effects can vary in intensity, it’s important to consider whether medical attention is needed.

Common side effects of fluvoxamine include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Drowsiness or dizziness
• Difficulty sleeping
• Dry mouth
• Sexual dysfunction
• Sweating
• Nervousness or restlessness

*This is not a complete list of possible side effects of Luvox. You should talk with your healthcare prescriber about the potential risks of Luvox before starting the medication.

Serious Side Effects of Fluvoxamine

Serious fluvoxamine side effects may demand attention due to their potential impact on health. If any of these effects arise, talk with your healthcare professional or seek emergency care at your nearest emergency room or by calling 9-1-1.

Potential severe side effects of fluvoxamine include:

• Suicidal thoughts or behavior
• Serotonin syndrome
• Allergic reactions
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Manic episodes

*All medications, including fluvoxamine, can cause side effects which can be mild or serious. This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects. You should talk with your healthcare professional about any questions you have and to understand the potential side effects and benefits of any medication.

SSRI Discontinuation

When discontinuing SSRI medications like fluvoxamine, individuals should be aware of the potential for antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. This syndrome, also known as antidepressant withdrawal, arises due to the physiological effects of the medication on the brain, particularly its modulation of serotonin levels.

It’s essential to stress that antidepressant withdrawal, or discontinuation syndrome, does not indicate addiction. Instead, it reflects the body’s adaptation to the absence of the medication. If someone encounters these symptoms upon discontinuing fluvoxamine, contact your healthcare professional. Healthcare professionals can offer guidance on a gradual tapering-off strategy to minimize the risk of antidepressant withdrawal and ensure a smoother transition to stopping medication.

Allergic Reactions to Fluvoxamine

Allergic reactions to the fluvoxamine are possible People with a history of hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to SSRIs should exercise caution when taking fluvoxamine and talk with their healthcare professional about the safety of taking fluvoxamine.

Allergic reactions to fluvoxamine may include:

• Skin rash or hives
• Itching or swelling, especially of the face, tongue, or throat
• Severe dizziness or fainting
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Unexplained fever
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Severe confusion or disorientation
• Muscle stiffness or tremors

If someone experiences these allergic reactions, immediate medical attention is essential. They should stop taking the fluvoxamine and seek medical guidance promptly. In the event of an allergic reaction, healthcare providers may consider discontinuing fluvoxamine and exploring alternative medication options based on an individual’s medical history and needs.

Fluvoxamine Dosages for FDA-Approved Treatment

Fluvoxamine is FDA-approved to treat OCD. The dosage that is right for treating OCD can vary from person to person. Fluvoxamine comes as both an immediate-release tablet and as an extended-release capsule. Luvox, the brand name, is only available as an immediate-release tablet. When taking the immediate-release form of fluvoxamine, the usual starting dose is 50 mg daily at bedtime. If needed, this dose can be increased up to 300 mg per day, but once the dosage is more than 100 mg, it should be split into two doses, one in the morning and one at bedtime.  When taking the extended-release form of fluvoxamine, the usual starting dose is 100 mg every day at bedtime. If needed, this dose can be increased up to 300 mg daily at bedtime.

The term “FDA-approved” signifies that a medication has undergone rigorous evaluation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, ensuring its safety and efficacy for specific medical conditions. These evaluations encompass extensive clinical trials and scientific scrutiny, giving patients confidence in the medication’s benefits and appropriate usage. Thus, fluvoxamine’s FDA-approved status underscores its proven effectiveness and contributes to the personalized approach in determining suitable dosages for each patient’s unique circumstances.¹

Fluvoxamine Forms & Strengths

Fluvoxamine is available in multiple forms and strengths designed to cater to individual treatment requirements. Determining the appropriate form and strength hinges on factors such as the specific disorder being addressed, the patient’s age, and the diagnosis at hand. Notably, the severity of symptoms does not dictate the necessary dosage. Fluvoxamine can be found in immediate-release tablets and extended-release capsules, each offering unique advantages. The choice between these forms depends on the desired duration of medication effect and patient preferences.

Prescribers consider several criteria when selecting a form, including the nature of the disorder, patient response, and the need for consistent dosing. Dosages may vary depending on the type of disorder being treated, the patient’s overall health and the specific symptoms presented. The onset of action differs between forms and strengths. Immediate-release tablets take effect within hours, while extended-release capsules provide a gradual and sustained release, maintaining therapeutic presence over time.⁸

Fluvoxamine is available in the following forms and strengths:

• 25 milligrams (mg) of immediate-release oral tablets
• 50 milligrams (mg) of immediate-release oral tablets
• 100 milligrams (mg) of immediate-release oral tablets
• 100 milligrams (mg) extended-release oral capsules
• 150 milligrams (mg) extended-release oral capsules

Luvox is available in the following forms and strengths:

• 25 milligrams (mg) of immediate-release oral tablets
• 50 milligrams (mg) of immediate-release oral tablets
• 100 milligrams (mg) of immediate-release oral tablets

It’s crucial to adhere to prescribed dosages and instructions for administration to ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes. Patients should follow the guidance of their healthcare providers and take their medication as directed to achieve the best results from fluvoxamine treatment.

How Should I Take Fluvoxamine?

To take fluvoxamine effectively, follow your prescriber’s instructions closely. Typically, the medication is taken once daily at bedtime, with or without food. If you are taking immediate-release tablets of fluvoxamine or Luvox and your daily dosage is more than 100 mg, it is possible that you will need to divide your dose into two doses, one in the morning and one in the evening at bedtime. It’s important to take the prescribed dosage consistently and simultaneously each day. If your healthcare provider recommends an extended-release formulation, swallow the capsule whole and avoid crushing or chewing it.

Adherence to the prescribed regimen is crucial in achieving the desired treatment outcomes. If you have any concerns or questions about how to take fluvoxamine, consult your healthcare provider for guidance.¹

What Happens If I Miss a Dose of Fluvoxamine?

If you miss a dose of fluvoxamine, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s close to your next scheduled dose. It’s important to maintain a consistent dosing schedule. However, avoid doubling up on doses or abruptly stopping the medication to catch up. Abruptly discontinuing fluvoxamine or altering your dosage can lead to potential side effects and may affect the effectiveness of your treatment. If you have concerns about your dosing regimen, consult your healthcare provider for guidance before making any changes.⁹

Can You Overdose on Fluvoxamine?

While fluvoxamine is generally safe when prescribed, it is possible to overdose on this medication. An overdose can occur if an excessive amount of fluvoxamine is ingested. Signs and symptoms of an overdose may include drowsiness, vomiting, irregular heartbeat, confusion, seizures, and difficulty breathing.¹

What Should You Do If You Take Too Much Fluvoxamine?

If you suspect you have taken too much fluvoxamine, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Contact emergency medical services or a poison control center without delay. Be prepared to provide information about the amount of fluvoxamine ingested and any symptoms you may be experiencing. Quick medical intervention is essential to ensure your safety and well-being in case of an overdose. Never hesitate to reach out for help in emergencies involving medication overdose.¹

Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider About Luvox (Fluvoxamine)

When considering fluvoxamine as part of your mental health treatment, it’s essential to have open and informed conversations with your doctor, psychiatrist, and therapist. Ask about its potential benefits for your condition, any interactions with your current medications, recommended dosages, strategies to manage potential fluvoxamine side effects, and how it could complement your ongoing therapy.

When changing prescribers is necessary, online psychiatry services can offer a convenient and effective option for maintaining consistent care. These services allow for seamless transitions, ensuring that you continue to receive expert guidance and support throughout your treatment journey.

Questions to ask your care team about fluvoxamine include:

• How can fluvoxamine benefit my specific condition, whether it’s OCD, depression, or anxiety?
• Are there any potential interactions between fluvoxamine and my current medications?
• What is the typical adjustment period for fluvoxamine, and what can I expect?
• Could combining fluvoxamine with my existing anxiety, depression, or OCD medications lead to more comprehensive symptom relief?
• What is the recommended dosage of fluvoxamine to balance effectiveness and minimize side effects?
• How can I manage or alleviate potential side effects associated with fluvoxamine?
• If I experience sexual side effects, when should I reach out for guidance or potential adjustments?
• Should I inform my therapist about my decision to start fluvoxamine, and how can we integrate it into my treatment plan?
• Are there any dietary or lifestyle considerations I should know while taking fluvoxamine?
• How can online psychiatry services facilitate a smooth transition if I need to change prescribers or seek a second opinion?
• What signs or symptoms should I monitor that indicates fluvoxamine is not the right fit for me, and what alternatives could be considered?
• Can you provide information about support groups or resources for individuals taking fluvoxamine?