Luvox
Generic Name: Fluvoxamine (floo-vox-a-meen)
Drug Class: Antidepressant, SSRI
Contents
Drug Uses
This medicine is used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Your
doctor may use fluvoxamine to treat other conditions as well.
General Information
This information is for educational purposes only. Not every known side effect,
adverse effect, or drug interaction is in this database. If you have questions
about your medicines, talk to your health care provider.
How it Works
SSRI's work by restoring the balance of a brain neurotransmitter called serotonin
by blocking its entry back into the nerve cells.
How to Take It
This medicine should be taken about the same time every day, morning or evening
and can be taken with or without food. It may up to 4 weeks to reach full
effect, but you may see symptoms of depression improving in one to two weeks.
Make sure that you know how the medicine affects you before driving or performing
other hazardous tasks.
Possible Side Effects
- Talk to your doctor if these side effects are bothersome or do not go
away:
- nausea
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- nervousness
- insomnia
- headache
- increased sweating
- lightheadedness
- sexual problems
Warnings/Precautions
- Do NOT stop taking this medicine abruptly without talking to your doctor.
Do not take more of this medicine unless instructed by your doctor.
- It is recommended to avoid alcohol while taking this medicine.
- Starting doses and maximum doses are lower for patients over the age
of 60.
- Be cautious when driving or performing other hazardous activities. This
medicine can impair judgment.
Overdose
- Seek medical attention immediately. For non emergencies, contact your
local or regional poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
Drug Interactions
- Talk to your doctor if you are taking certain antibiotics such as erythromycin,
clarithromycin or azithromycin. This medicine should not be taken with
MAO inhibitors.
- Let your doctor know if you are taking any vitamin supplements or herbal
products. St. John’s Wort should be avoided while taking fluvoxamine due
to the increased side effects of too much serotonin.
Missed Dose
Take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next
dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double
doses.
Storage
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out
of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat
and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated
or no longer needed.
Pregnancy/Nursing
If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss the benefits versus the risks of
using this medicine while pregnant. Because this medicine is excreted in the
breast milk, check with your doctor to discuss the risks to the baby.
More Information
For more information, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or health care provider.
Copyright © 2004 PharmClips,
Inc. All rights reserved. Information expires March 1, 2005. Published
March 1, 2004.
This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions,
precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. This is general
information and should not in any event be construed as specific instructions
for individual patients. The publisher does not accept any responsibility
for the accuracy of the information or the consequences arising from
the application, use, or misuse of any of the information contained
herein, including any injury and/or damage to any person or property
as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise. No warranty,
expressed or implied, is made in regard to the contents of this material.
The reader is advised to check with their health care provider before
making any changes in their drug regimen. |
