Fluvoxamine
What is Luvox?
Luvox, also recognized by its chemical name, fluvoxamine, is a prescribed drug that is part of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) family (1). It's primarily prescribed to manage conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and depression (1). By elevating the serotonin levels in the brain, a neurotransmitter responsible for mood regulation, Luvox aims to stabilize the mental equilibrium (1).
Time of Day and With or Without Food
Typically, Luvox is administered once a day, with the flexibility of being taken during the morning or evening, and it can be consumed with or without food (1). Nevertheless, it's pivotal to adhere to the recommendations given by the medical practitioner, as the regimen might vary depending on individual health profiles and the condition under treatment.
Dosage
For adults beginning Luvox, the standard initial dose is 50 mg daily, which might be augmented progressively, with medical guidance, to a ceiling of 300 mg daily (1). For younger patients, namely children and adolescents, the starting dose is set at 25 mg daily and can be ramped up to a maximum of 200 mg daily (1). The prescribed dosage is typically influenced by factors like the patient's age, body weight, and the intensity of the ailment.
Side Effects
Regular side effects associated with Luvox consumption encompass:
- Nausea
- Gastrointestinal disturbances
- Diarrhea
- Sleepiness
- Lightheadedness
- Perspiration
- Anxiousness
- Sleep disturbances
- Dryness in the mouth
Persisting or aggravating side effects warrant consultation with the medical expert. On rare occasions, Luvox might lead to severe side effects, including:
- Abnormal bleeding or bruising
- Heartbeat irregularities
- Pronounced dizziness or fainting spells
- Convulsions
- Symptoms indicative of an allergic response like skin rashes, itching, swelling, pronounced dizziness, or respiratory difficulties.
Any severe side effects necessitate immediate medical intervention.
Interactions
Luvox might interact adversely with other medications or supplements, potentially either intensifying side effects or undermining the therapeutic effectiveness. Notable substances that could have interactions with Luvox include:
- Medications or substances that enhance serotonin (e.g., triptans, tramadol, St. John's wort)
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin)
- Antipsychotic drugs
- Drugs for heart rhythm regulation
- Antiseizure medications
It's paramount to apprise the doctor about all ongoing medications, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal formulations before embarking on Luvox to circumvent potential interactions.
Human Studies
Clinical trials have comprehensively evaluated Luvox, and it has demonstrated efficacy in treating conditions like OCD, SAD, and depression (1). However, specifics such as the number of trial participants, the trial durations, and other details were not retrievable from the provided sources.
Citations:
(1) https://luvomedical.com
(2) https://www.luvostore.com.au
(3) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luvo_Inc.
(4) https://apps.apple.com/us/app/luvo-calming-guided-meditation/id1617104475
(5) https://www.instagram.com/luvostore/?hl=en
(6) https://thewca.com/luvo/