Luvox (LUH-vox)

Luvox (fluvoxamine [floo-VOX-a-meen]) is an antidepressant (serotonin reuptake inhibitor) that is generally used to treat symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder. It may be prescribed for symptoms of prostatitis after other treatments have not worked.

Luvox Warnings

Anti-depressives such as Luvox contain a black box warning such as the following:

Suicidality and Antidepressant Drugs

Antidepressants increased the risk compared to placebo of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies of major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of LUVOX or any other antidepressant in a child, adolescent, or young adult must balance this risk with the clinical need. Short-term studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults beyond age 24; there was a reduction in risk with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults aged 65 and older. Depression and certain other psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with increases in the risk of suicide. Patients of all ages who are started on antidepressant therapy should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior. Families and caregivers should be advised of the need for close observation and communication with the prescriber. LUVOX is not approved for use in pediatric patients except for patients with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).] (See Warnings: Clinical Worsening and Suicide Risk, Precautions: Information for Patients, and Precautions: Pediatric Use)

A small amount of people who take antidepressants like Luvox for any medical condition, particularly people under the age of 25, may suffer worsening depression or other abnormal mental symptoms, including suicidal thoughts or behaviors, especially at the onset of treatment. Discuss with your physician the risks involved with antidepressants, even if taking the medication for something other than depression.

Concentrations of active ingredients in thioridazine in schizophrenic patients may increase while taking Luvox, which may lead to severe consequences that could be fatal. Do not take these two medications at the same time.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) may increase the risk for bleeding.

Patients with liver problems should be monitored carefully while taking this drug, and should begin treatment at a low dose.

Also see precautions.

Why is Luvox Prescribed for Prostatitis?

Luvox may be prescribed for patients with prostatitis or benign prostatic hyperplasia to alleviate painful symptoms associated with urination and difficulty urinating, and for pain in the genital area.

How Should Luvox Be Used?

Luvox comes in tablets of 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg. Extended release tablets are also available in 100 mg and 150 mg doses.

The standard adult dose to start is generally 50 mg per day, taken as one dose at bedtime.

Your physician may increase the dose in 50 mg increments every four to seven days, depending on response to treatment.

The maximum dose of Luvox is 300 mg per day.

If taking a dose greater than 100 mg, you should separate the dose. If using extended release tablets, you should begin with a dose of 100 mg at bedtime.

Consult your physician for dosing options.

Other Uses for Luvox

This medication is used to treat:

Obsessive compulsive disorder
Major depressive disorder
Anxiety disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder and panic disorder

Do I Need To Follow Special Precautions?

Inform your physician if you experience any of the following symptoms while taking Luvox:

Worsening depression
Suicidal thoughts or attempts
Panic attacks
Insomnia
Irritability or serious restlessness
Unusual anger
Impulsive behavior
Mania/hypomania

If you experience any of the above symptoms, your dose may need to be adjusted or Luvox may need to be discontinued.

If your physician decides to discontinue this medication, it should be lessened as quickly as possible but not stopped too abruptly.

Before beginning treatment with Luvox, your physician should determine if you are at risk for bipolar disorder. Provide your physician with a personal psychiatric history, as well as a family history of depressing, suicide, and bipolar disorder. Luvox is not used to treat bipolar disorder.

Certain other medications interact with Luvox and other antidepressants, and may cause serious consequences. Serious reactions have been reported in patients who have taken a serotonin uptake inhibitor and a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) simultaneously. Potentially severe or fatal reactions may include:

Hypothermia
Rigidity
Muscle twitching
Malfunction of the autonomic nervous system, which controls vital signs
Extreme agitation, delirium, or coma

Luvox should not be taken within 14 days of discontinuing use of an MAOI.

It is not recommended to use Luvox simultaneously with serotonin precursors such as tryptophan.

If you experience severe side effects while taking Luvox and antipsychotics simultaneously, stop using Luvox and seek medical attention.

Do I Need to Follow a Special Diet When Taking Luvox?

Discuss diet options with your physician right away. Your doctor may ask you to change your diet while taking Luvox.

Unless your physician tells you otherwise, avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking this medication, as grapefruit may change the amount of this drug that your body absorbs.

What If I Forget a Dose?

If you miss a dose of Luvox, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If nearing the time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take extra Luvox to account for the missed dose.

Are There Side Effects When Taking Luvox for Prostatitis?

Side effects may include:

Nausea
Vomiting
Sleepiness
Dizziness
Loss of appetite
Insomnia
Weakness
Sweating
Nasal inflammation or infection
Indigestion
Headache
Nervousness/anxiety
Depression

If any of the above symptoms persist or worsen, inform your physician promptly.

Inform your physician immediately if you experience any of these more severe side effects:

Abnormal bruising or bleeding
Tremor
Lessening of sexual functioning or desire
Black stools
Coffee ground-like vomit
Seizures
Hallucination
Suicidal thoughts
Hepatitis
Pancreatitis

In rare cases, Luvox may cause serotonin syndrome. The risk for this serious condition may increase if Luvox is combined with certain other medications. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience the following related symptoms:

Hallucinations
Abnormal restlessness
Loss of dexterity
Rapid heartbeat
Severe dizziness
Fever
Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Muscles that twitch
A painful or lengthy erection that lasts four or more hours, which can have permanent consequences if not treated right away

Also seek medical attention immediately if you experience an allergic reaction to this medication. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:

Rash/hives
Itching or swelling, especially of the face, tongue, or throat
Difficulty breathing

Does Luvox Have Special Storage Instructions?

Luvox tablets should be stored at room temperature (59-86°F).

What Do I Do in the Case of an Accidental Overdose?

In case of a suspected overdose, contact an emergency room or poison control center immediately. For US residents, dial 911 in an emergency. For a local poison control center in the United States, call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a poison control center in their province.

Symptoms of overdose may include: