FLUVOXAMINE - ORAL (Luvox) side effects, medical uses, and drug interactions.

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FLUVOXAMINE-ORAL Index

fluvoxamine - oral, Luvox

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GENERIC NAME: FLUVOXAMINE - ORAL (flew-VOX-uh-meen)

BRAND NAME(S): Luvox

WARNING: Antidepressant medications are used to treat a variety of conditions, including depression and other mental/mood disorders. These medications can help prevent suicidal thoughts/attempts and provide other important benefits. However, studies have shown that a small number of people (especially people younger than 25) who take antidepressants for any condition may experience worsening depression, other mental/mood symptoms, or suicidal thoughts/attempts. Therefore, it is very important to talk with the doctor about the risks and benefits of antidepressant medication (especially for people younger than 25), even if treatment is not for a mental/mood condition.

Tell the doctor immediately if you notice worsening depression/other psychiatric conditions, unusual behavior changes (including possible suicidal thoughts/attempts), or other mental/mood changes (including new/worsening anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, hostile/angry feelings, impulsive actions, severe restlessness, very rapid speech). Be especially watchful for these symptoms when a new antidepressant is started or when the dose is changed.

USES: Fluvoxamine is used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It helps decrease persistent/unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and urges to perform repeated tasks (compulsions such as hand-washing, counting, checking) that interfere with daily living. Fluvoxamine belongs to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This medication works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals (neurotransmitters such as serotonin) in the brain.OTHER This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.This medication may also be used to treat depression and a certain type of eating disorder (bulimia).

HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using fluvoxamine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once daily at bedtime, or twice daily, or as directed by your doctor.Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. For children, the dosage may also be based on their age and gender. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may start you at a low dose and gradually increase your dose.The maximum recommended daily dose is 300 milligrams for people aged 12 years and older and 200 milligrams for children up to 11 years.Doses greater than 100 milligrams in adults or 50 milligrams in children should be given as 2 equally divided doses. If the doses are not equal, then the larger dose should be given at bedtime. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while being treated with this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Grapefruit can increase the amount of certain medications in your bloodstream. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and the risk of serious side effects may be increased.Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.It is important to continue taking this medication as prescribed even if you feel well. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when this drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased to reduce side effects. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.It may take 3 weeks or longer before this drug takes effect. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.