Luvox CR
Generic Name: Fluvoxamine
What is Luvox CR?
Luvox CR is an antidepressant medication known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It is used to treat social anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).What is the most important information I should know about Luvox CR?
Antidepressants can increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults. Patients of all ages who are started on antidepressants or are taking a new dose should be watched closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual behavior. Patients and their families should contact the doctor immediately if new symptoms develop or seem to get worse. Signs to watch for include anxiety, hostility, sleeplessness, restlessness, impulsive or dangerous behavior, and thoughts about suicide or dying.Luvox CR may cause the development of potentially life-threatening reactions known as serotonin syndrome or neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) when taken alone or in combination with other drugs. Symptoms may include mental status changes, increase in heart rate and temperature, incoordination, hyperreflexia (increased reflexes), muscle rigidity, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these signs or symptoms.
Who should not take Luvox CR?
Luvox CR should not be used in those who are also taking alosetron, tizanidine, thioridazine, or pimozide. Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, a class of drugs used to treat depression and other psychiatric conditions, should not be used in combination with Luvox CR, or within 14 days of discontinuing treatment with Luvox CR.Luvox CR should not be taken if you have an allergy to fluvoxamine or any of the drug's ingredients.
What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Luvox CR?
Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Luvox CR. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have a history of mental health problems. You need to inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.What is the usual dosage?
The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Social Anxiety Disorder
Adults: The recommended starting dose for Luvox CR is 100 milligrams (mg) once daily. Your doctor may increase your dose as necessary, based on your tolerability and response to the treatment.
How should I take Luvox CR?
Luvox CR can be taken with or without food as a single daily dose at bedtime. Do not crush or chew the capsules.What should I avoid while taking Luvox CR?
Avoid driving or operating machinery until you are certain how this medication affects you. Avoid alcohol while taking Luvox CR, as well as drugs that affect the brain, as they may impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills when taken with Luvox CR. Do not abruptly discontinue Luvox CR.What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Luvox CR?
If Luvox CR is taken with certain drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Luvox CR with the following: alosetron, alcohol, antidepressants (such as amitriptyline, clomipramine, or imipramine), antipsychotics (such as clozapine and thioridazine), aspirin, blood pressure/heart medications known as beta-blockers, carbamazepine, clozapine, diltiazem, lithium, lorazepam, MAOIs, methadone, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen, pimozide, propranolol, ramelteon, sumatriptan, tacrine, thioridazine, tizanidine, tranquilizers and sedatives (such as alprazolam, diazepam, midazolam, and triazolam), triptans, tryptophan, and warfarin.What are the possible side effects of Luvox CR?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.Side effects may include: nausea, drowsiness, weakness, diarrhea, anorexia, tremor, sweating, abnormal ejaculation, impotence, insomnia, headache
Can I receive Luvox CR if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
The effects of Luvox CR during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.What should I do if I miss a dose of Luvox CR?
If you miss a dose of Luvox CR, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the dose you missed and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at once.How should I store Luvox CR?
Store at room temperature.
