What is Luvox?
Luvox (Fluvoxamine) belongs to the class of generic drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and is prescribed to treat several psychiatric disorders. Other generic drug in this group includes Prozac (fluoxetine), Paxil (paroxetine) and Zoloft (sertraline).
Luvox Facts
SSRIs have an influence on neurotransmitters, chemicals produced and released by nerves in the brain to communicate with nearby nerves. According to several medical specialists, an imbalance in these neurotransmitters causes depression and many other psychiatric disorders. The generic drug Luvox (Fluvoxamine) functions by lessening the uptake of one of these neurotransmitters – serotonin by the nerve cells after they have been released. Hence, this augments the amount of serotonin in the brain to motivate nerves in the brain and avoid depression.
Luvox Indications
Luvox (Fluvoxamine) is a prescription drug .This generic drug is recommended for treating psychiatric disorders, such as depressions and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Luvox (Fluvoxamine) also aids in reducing anxiety, horrid thoughts and actions related to OCD and lifts the mood by treating depression. This prescription drug is also used to treat social anxiety disorder or social phobia and may be used for other purposes depending on the recommendation of your physician.
Luvox Dosage
The general initial daily dose of this generic drug for adult patients is 50 mg taken as a single dose in the morning. Depending on the patient’s condition and response to therapy with this prescription drug, the dose may be raised by increments of 50 mg every four to seven days to achieve the optimal benefits. The maximum permissible daily dose of this generic drug for adults is 300 mg and daily doses in excess of 100 mg should be divided and taken in equal measures twice during the day. The initial daily dosage of Luvox (Fluvoxamine) for children in the age group of eight and 17 years is 25 mg. In this case too, the daily dose of this generic drug may be augmented in increments of 25 mg every four to seven days till the maximum daily dosage of 200 mg is reached and daily doses above 50 mg should be taken as divided dose. This prescription drug may be taken with or without food, but essentially swallowed as a whole with a full glass of water. Although you may start feeling better after a few days of taking this generic drug, do not stop taking Luvox (Fluvoxamine), change your dose, or take it more often than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
Luvox Side Effects
Like all SSRIs, using Luvox (Fluvoxamine) may cause side effects, such as headache, anxiety, nervousness, sweating, nausea, decreased appetite, constipation, diarrhea, visual disturbances, dry mouth, sleepiness, dizziness, insomnia, mood swings and sexual dysfunction. Many patients taking this generic drug have also complained of withdrawal symptoms after 12 to 36 weeks of treatment. These symptoms usually appear within a few days of discontinuing of this prescription drug and persist for an average of 12 days to 21 days. They are relieved within 24 hours by re-administering the medication that was discontinued. Antidepressant generic drugs may increase the risk of suicide in children and adolescents and there are apprehensions that antidepressants may also induce suicides in adults. Although allergic reaction from taking this prescription drug is rare, consult your physician immediately if you have symptoms, such as skin rash or hives, breathing problems, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Luvox Precautions
Before you buy Luvox (Fluvoxamine) from any and start using this generic drug, tell your physician regarding your medical history, especially kidney and liver ailments, heart problems, seizures, mental/ mood disorders, thyroid problems and allergies. As this prescription drug may induce drowsiness, people taking it should exercise caution while driving or using machinery. They should also limit or avoid taking alcoholic beverages. Though uncommon, depression can lead to thoughts or attempts of suicide and so tell your doctor immediately if you have any suicidal thoughts, worsening depression or any other mental/ mood changes after taking this prescription drug.. This prescription drug should be given during pregnancy only when absolutely necessary. As this medication passes into breast milk and may cause risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this generic drug should be avoided.
Luvox Interactions
Any SSRI, including Luvox (Fluvoxamine), should not be taken with any of the mono-amine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) class of antidepressant prescription drugs, such as Marplan (isocarboxazid), Nardil (phenelzine), Parnate (tranylcypromine) and Matulane (procarbazine). Such combinations may lead to confusion, high blood pressure, tremor, and increased activity. Similar reactions may occur when this prescription drug is taken in combination with Eldepryl (selegilinel), Pondimin (fenfluramine), and Redux (dexfenfluramine). This generic drug has the potential to slow down the removal of Clozaril (clozapine), requiring reduction of clozapine dosage. Luvoc (Fluvoxamine) may also inhibit the elimination and increase the blood levels of Theodur and Uniphyl (theophylline), Coumadin (warfarin), Xanax (alprazolam) and Halcoin (triazolam).