Luvox

This page contains drug information on Luvox.
The information provided includes the following:
what is Luvox
the possible side effects of Luvox
what happens if you miss a dose of Luvox
what happens if you overdose with Luvox
the most important information about Luvox
how to use Luvox
other drugs that may affect Luvox
what to avoid while using Luvox
 
Generic Name: luvox (flew VOCK sah meen)
Brand Names: Luvox
 
What is the most important information I should know about luvox?
 •  While you are taking luvox you may need to be monitored for worsening symptoms of depression and/ or suicidal thoughts at the start of therapy or when doses are changed. This concern about the increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors may be greater if you are 18 years of age or younger and are taking luvox. In patients younger than 18 years, the period of risk may extend beyond start of therapy or when doses are changed. Your doctor may want you to monitor for the following symptoms: anxiety, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, irritability, hostility, impulsivity, severe restlessness, and mania (mental and/ or physical hyperactivity). These symptoms may be associated with the development of worsening symptoms of depression and/ or suicidal thoughts or actions. Contact your healthcare provider if you develop any new or worsening mental health symptoms during treatment with luvox. Do not stop taking luvox.
 •  Do not stop taking luvox without first talking to your doctor. It may take 4 weeks or more for you to start feeling better and you may experience unpleasant side effects if you stop taking luvox suddenly.

What is luvox?
 •  luvox is in a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. luvox affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
 •  luvox is used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorders involving recurring thoughts or actions.
 •  luvox may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking luvox?
 •  While you are taking luvox you may need to be monitored for worsening symptoms of depression and/ or suicidal thoughts at the start of therapy or when doses are changed. This concern about the increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors may be greater if you are 18 years of age or younger and are taking luvox. In patients younger than 18 years, the period of risk may extend beyond start of therapy or when doses are changed. Your doctor may want you to monitor for the following symptoms: anxiety, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, irritability, hostility, impulsivity, severe restlessness, and mania (mental and/ or physical hyperactivity). These symptoms may be associated with the development of worsening symptoms of depression and/ or suicidal thoughts or actions. Contact your healthcare provider if you develop any new or worsening mental health symptoms during treatment with luvox. Do not stop taking luvox.
 •  Do not take luvox if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) during the last 2 weeks. Serious, and sometimes fatal, reactions have occurred when these medicines have been used together. 
 •  Do not take luvox without first talking to your doctor if you are taking thioridazine (Mellaril), cisapride (Propulsid), or pimozide (Orap). A dangerous interaction may occur if these medicines are used together. You must wait 5 weeks after stopping luvox before taking thioridazine (Mellaril).
 •  Before taking luvox, tell your doctor if you
      · have liver disease
      · suffer from seizures or
      · suffer from mania or have suicidal thoughts.
 •  You may not be able to take luvox, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
 •  luvox is in the FDA pregnancy category C. Babies exposed to luvox and/ or other drugs of the same class during the third trimester of pregnancy may develop medical complications. Discuss the risks with your doctor. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
 •  luvox passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take luvox without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take luvox?
 •  Take luvox exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
 •  Take each dose with water.
 •  luvox may be taken with or without food.
 •  Try to take luvox at the same time each day.
 •  Do not stop taking luvox without first talking to your doctor. It may take 4 weeks or more for you to start feeling better and you may experience unpleasant side effects if you stop taking luvox suddenly.
 •  Store luvox at room temperature away from heat and moisture.

What happens if I miss a dose?
 •  Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?
 •  Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
 •  Symptoms of a luvox overdose include nausea, vomiting, tremor, seizures, agitation, drowsiness, hyperactivity, and enlarged pupils.

What should I avoid while taking luvox?
 •  Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. luvox may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
 •  Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness or dizziness while taking luvox.

What are the possible side effects of luvox?
 •  If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking luvox and contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:
      · an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing closing of the throat swelling of the lips, tongue, or face or hives)
      · an irregular heartbeat or pulse
      · low blood pressure (dizziness, weakness)
      · high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision) or
      · chills or fever.
 •  If you experience any of the following less serious side effects, continue taking luvox and talk to your doctor:
      · headache
      · tremor, nervousness, or anxiety
      · nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, or changes in appetite or weight
      · sleepiness or insomnia or
      · decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm.
 •  Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect luvox?
 •  Do not take luvox if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) during the last 2 weeks. Serious, and sometimes fatal, reactions have occurred when these medicines have been used together. 
 •  Do not take luvox without first talking to your doctor if you are taking thioridazine (Mellaril), cisapride (Propulsid), or pimozide (Orap). A dangerous interaction may occur if these medicines are used together. You must wait 5 weeks after stopping luvox before taking thioridazine (Mellaril).
 •  Before taking luvox, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
      · a benzodiazepine such as diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), temazepam (Restoril), triazolam (Halcion), and others
      · a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil), imipramine (Tofranil), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and others
      · a phenothiazine such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin), mesoridazine (Serentil), perphenazine (Trilafon), prochlorperazine (Compazine), and others
      · lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith, others) or clozapine (Clozaril)
      · almotriptan (Axert), frovatriptan (Frova), sumatriptan (Imitrex), naratriptan (Amerge), rizatriptan (Maxalt), or zolmitriptan (Zomig)
      · propranolol (Inderal, Inderal LA) or metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL)
      · carbamazepine (Tegretol) or phenytoin (Dilantin) 
      · warfarin (Coumadin)
      · tizanidine (Zanaflex)
      · alosetron (Lotronex)
      · methadone (Dolophine, Methadose) or
      · tacrine (Cognex).
 •  You may not be able to take luvox, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
 •  Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with luvox. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.