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Luvox (fluvoxamine) medication - online prescription available

If you are suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder, Luvox can help. Get a new prescription or refill of Luvox today from a board-certified primary care doctor online.*

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About Luvox

Luvox isa type of medicine called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which essentially increases the serotonin available in your brain. Like any selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, this medication can only be used for mental illnesses associated with depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It is ineffective against certain psychiatric conditions, like bipolar disorders, because it may not affect the specific neurotransmitters involved.

Some conditions that Luvox is known to treat include obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), major depressive disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Luvox is available only by prescription. It is available in a generic formulation under different brand names, including Fluvoxamine.

Luvox may be prescribed as a capsule. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage you are prescribed.

If you are prescribed Luvox, take daily as prescribed unless your doctor specifically tells you to stop.

If you don’t take Luvox and other SSRI medications daily, they will not stay in your system consistently enough to help you feel better. All SSRI medications can, on average, take 4-6 weeks to show their full benefit.

The initial dose used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder and similar conditions is usually low. This low dose helps the patient's body get used to the fluvoxamine maleate that the drug uses. Dose adjustments are then made to help find the right amount of Luvox CR to reduce the patient's symptoms effectively.

Luvox uses

There is one FDA-approved use for Luvox, but it may also be used off-label to treat other conditions. Your online medical professional may prescribe it for the following reasons. It’s also possible that your healthcare provider may prescribe it for different reasons not listed here. Ask your online doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about why a medication is prescribed.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder may experience consistent unwanted thoughts or feel compelled to complete certain tasks multiple times each day. This can significantly interfere with their daily life and cause disruptions in their ability to stay focused. Some people with OCD may also exhibit signs of other psychiatric disorders, such as social anxiety or major depressive disorder.

Luvox is primarily used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder. The medication works on serotonin levels in the brain, which may help to reduce these unwanted thoughts & compulsions. Due to the activity of the medication, it may also help with symptoms associated with major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and some other psychiatric disorders. Sometimes, it is used to treat depression in young adults who may show signs of the mental illness OCD. The serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) can help to prevent worsening depression and the adverse effects that come with this situation.

Luvox side effects

The side effects associated with taking Luvox are typically mild to moderate. Most Luvox side effects are associated with the digestive system. Luvox (Fluvoxamine maleate) has some common side effects. They may include:

Nausea

Vomiting

Dizziness

Trouble sleeping

Excessive sweating

General weakness

Some people also report a loss of appetite while they use the medication.

Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:

Sexual dysfunction

Weight gain or loss

Bleeding problems

Tremors

Seizures

Vision changes (blurred vision, for example)

Fainting

Irregular heartbeat

Very rarely, some patients may experience suicidal ideation when they begin this medication for their mental illness. The doctor will make you aware of signs that are related to suicidal ideation, including worsening depression. Patients treated should also understand the risk of serotonin syndrome, which happens when there's too much serotonin in your system. The risk of serotonin syndrome increases with drug interactions, particularly when the patient uses other medications that also Icrease levels of serotonin in the braine. Serotonin syndrome can result in agitation, fast heartbeat, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, and warm, flushed skin. In the case of serotonin syndrome or suicidal thinking, you should call 911 or, in the case of suicidal thoughts, 988 immediately.

You should call your doctor if you notice any other new or concerning symptoms. While Luvox CR is sometimes used in young adults and even elderly patients, it is not advised for use in children. A child using Luvox to treat a mental illness may have an increased risk of serotonin syndrome and other adverse effects.

How to take Luvox

Your pharmacist will provide you with instructions on how to take your Luvox prescription.

Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.

Luvox can come in different forms and doses, so be sure to follow the specific instructions on your prescription. You may be prescribed a single or two doses every day. Tell your doctor if the medication causes serious adverse effects. A dose adjustment can often help to reduce these adverse reactions.

Do not take the medication directly after waking up. Both young adults and elderly patients treated should take a single dose before they go to bed. This is an efficient timing when Luvox is used to treat this mental illness. You can also ask your doctor or pharmacist for medical advice about side effects when you take the medication at the wrong time. If you need to take two divided doses, then take the first dose at least eight hours after you wake up.

What to avoid while taking Luvox

Luvox has a large number of drug interactions that the FDA reports. Don’t change what you are taking without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications or supplements, as well as over-the-counter drugs.

It is important to tell your doctor about any other drugs you use when taking Luvox. Drug interactions with other medications can sometimes lead to serious adverse effects.

You should not take this medication with drugs that are used to treat bipolar disorder. This mental illness uses certain medications that can interact with Luvox.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if it is acceptable to consume alcohol while taking Luvox.

Some research shows that regular alcohol consumption may increase the risk of worsening depression. Alcohol may also reduce the medication’s ability to do its job, making it harder to treat obsessive compulsive disorder and other underlying symptoms.

Medication alternatives to Luvox

If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment, they may suggest another selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or an antidepressant in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:

Major depressive disorder

While this medication may help depression, a doctor may prefer a different drug if you do not show signs of OCD. Generally, doctors can tailor medicines to try based on the most predominant symptoms. So, in the case of predominantly depression, they may suggest a different drug.

Antidepressant Medications such as:

Bupropion (Wellbutrin) Imipramine Mirtazapine Pamelor (Nortriptyline)

Other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) include:

Zoloft (sertraline) Lexapro (escitalopram)

Luvox prescription FAQs

How much does Luvox cost?

Thankfully, a generic form is available and quite affordable, averaging $15-30 without insurance if you use a discount coupon, which your doctor and pharmacist can help you utilize. Prices may vary slightly based on dosage, amount prescribed, and region you live in.

How can I refill my Luvox prescription?

Refilling your prescription can be an easy task with Plushcare. Your doctor will want to follow up with you in regular intervals, usually every 1 to 3 months, and will send enough medicine to last you between visits. Some pharmacies also offer a delivery service, which can be helpful if you are unable to go to the local area to pick up your prescription.

What time of day should you take Luvox?

When treating OCD and certain other psychiatric disorders with Luvox, it is usually best to use the medication at night. If you need to take two doses, then take your first day in the afternoon. Tell your doctor if the medicine causes trouble sleeping. This can cause an increased risk of sleep deprivation, which can further interfere with your mental health.

What happens if you take too much Luvox?

An overdose of this medication can worsen your symptoms and cause side effects including serotonin syndrome. When serotonin syndrome happens, it can lead to serious health complications. You may require immediate medical attention in some severe cases. Tell your doctor if you have a history of drug abuse, as this may affect their decision in terms of the best medication to prescribe.

How much Luvox can you take?

Fluvoxamine maleate comes in different doses. The ideal dose for you depends on your condition. The medication is taken up to two times each day. The maximum dose depends on many factors but is usually reached if patients feel lower doses wear off in effectiveness over time. Your doctor will also consider the increased risk of certain adverse effects with higher doses and compare them to the potential benefits that the medication may provide you with.

Who should not take Luvox?

You should not take this medicine if you have a history of serotonin syndrome. The medication may also not work well for bipolar disorder. Do not take this medication if you suffer from certain medical conditions, so be sure to discuss your whole medical history with your doctor.

What happens if I miss a dose of Luvox?

Do not take two capsules with your next dose to make up for the missed dose. Skip the missed dose if you are too close to the next dose that you need to take. Some people may experience withdrawal symptoms if they skip doses.

Step 1

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Step 2

Talk to your medical provider regarding your Luvox prescription.

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Step 3

Pick up your Luvox prescription, if provided

We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.

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Sources:

PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.

"Luvox Side Effects." Drugs.com, Drugs.com, Accessed October 16, 2023, www.drugs.com/sfx/luvox-side-effects.html
"Luvox Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing." WebMD, Accessed October 16, 2023, www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-1089/luvox-oral/details
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Luvox (fluvoxamine maleate) Tablets. FDA, 2007, www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2007/021519lbl.pdf

PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.

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