Luvox Uses, Effects & Withdrawal
In This Article
What is Luvox & What Does it Treat?
Most commonly, fluvoxamine (Luvox) is prescribed to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The medication decreases intrusive and obsessive thoughts and reduces the urge to repeatedly develop these thoughts.
People whose obsessive thoughts and repeated actions interfere with daily life benefit from using Fluvoxamine.
Fluvoxamine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
All of the drugs in this category work in a similar way by increasing the chemical serotonin in the brain.
What Are The Side Effects Of Luvox?
Fluvoxamine effectively treats obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but it also triggers side effects in many users. In some cases, these side effects can be severe.
For example, some users experience suicidal thoughts or actions. Because of this, the FDA now requires the manufacturer of Fluvoxamine to include a black box warning about this risk. This side effect tends to occur most often in youth and young adult users. It typically begins within the first few months of use or after a change in dosage.
The FDA approves Fluvoxamine use as treatment for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) only in persons who are 8 years old and above.
Call 911 or contact your doctor immediately if you or a loved one experiences any of the following side effects after taking Luvox:
- Suicide attempt
- Dangerous impulses
- Aggressive or violent behavior
- Suicidal thoughts or thoughts of dying
- Attempts to commit suicide
- Acting on dangerous impulses
- Aggressive or violent behavior
- Thoughts about suicide or dying
- New or worsening depression
- New or worsening anxiety or panic attacks
- Agitation, restlessness, anger, or irritability
- Trouble sleeping
Common Side Effects of Luvox
Other common, less severe side effects of Fluvoxamine include:
- Anxiousness
- Changes in vision
- Decrease in appetite
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Eye pain, redness, or swelling
- Excessive yawning
- Muscle pain
- Nausea
- Sexual problems
- Shaking
- Sleeping problems
- Sore throat
- Weakness
In addition to the side effects listed above, children taking Fluvoxamine might also experience:
- Depression
- Gas (flatulence)
- Heavy menstrual periods
- Hyperactivity
- Skin rash
Mild symptoms associated with Fluvoxamine use tend to ease within a few days or weeks. Contact your doctor if symptoms persist or are severe enough to interfere with daily life.
Serious Side Effects of Luvox
Fluvoxamine also causes other potentially severe side effects, including manic episodes, abnormal bleeding, and serotonin syndrome. Abnormal bleeding may increase the risk of bleeding or bruising especially in those taking aspirin, the blood thinner warfarin, or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
Serotonin syndrome is a life-threatening event that happens when too much serotonin builds up in the body. Its symptoms include:
- Hallucinations
- Agitation
- Coordination problems
- Muscle stiffness
- Racing heartbeat
- Sweating or fever
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
The following could be an indication of a manic episode:
- Significantly increased energy
- Severe insomnia
- Racing thoughts
- Reckless behavior
- Grandiose ideas
- Excessive happiness or agitation
- Talking more than usual
Does Luvox Cause Weight Gain?
Studies on the effect of Luvox on weight are conflicting. While some studies cite the drug causes weight gain, not all studies fully support this, especially in the pediatric population.
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Is Luvox Good For Anxiety?
Luvoz is not yet FDA-approved for social anxiety disorder (SAD). Luvox CR (controlled-released) is used off-label for the treatment of social anxiety disorder and social phobia.
If you take Luvox CR for anxiety, you may notice an improvement in energy, appetite, and sleep within one to two weeks. Positive changes in mood and enjoyment in activities may take up to eight weeks to improve.
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Luvox Withdrawal & Addiction Symptoms
Luvox has a heavy influence on neurotransmitters, which can lead to physical dependence in patients who are actively using it. Like many SSRIs, it increases serotonin levels in the brain.
Quitting Luvox without tapering triggers withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms mimic a typical addiction and make it difficult to stop using the drug. In some people, withdrawal symptoms are severe.
Luvox Withdrawal Symptoms
Many of the symptoms associated with Luvox withdrawal are similar to the flu, and may include:
- Fatigue
- Body aches and pains
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Other flu-like symptoms
Other symptoms of Luvox withdrawal can affect your mental health or physical body:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Paranoia
- Aggression
- Irritability
- Problems sleeping
- Weight changes
- Inability to concentrate
- Balance problems
- Blurred vision
- "Brain zaps"
- Indigestion (e.g., constipation, diarrhea)
- Flatulence
How Long Does Luvox Withdrawal Last?
For most people, Luvox withdrawal symptoms last several weeks. The intensity of these symptoms varies based on the length of time and dosage taken.
Luvox has a half-life of about 15 hours, which is the shortest of all selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This may contribute to the development of discontinuation syndrome (withdrawal symptoms).
How Do I Wean Off Fluvoxamine?
To avoid withdrawal symptoms when stopping Fluvoxamine use, it’s important to gradually taper off the drug in a clinical setting. You should never detox from a drug without professional guidance.
Gradual detoxification is an important step in breaking physical dependence. Doing so enables the brain to naturally restore its ability to produce the appropriate amount of serotonin without relying on Luvox.
Someone with a dependence on Fluvoxamine can benefit from a support program after the detoxification process is over. This helps with any physical and mental issues associated with drug dependence and usually includes counseling, nutrition guidance, and ongoing emotional support.
Luvox addiction is different from other drug addictions. However, it is still important to seek treatment when stopping use, especially in the early days when withdrawal symptoms are severe.
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Fluvoxamine Risks & Drug Interactions
Fluvoxamine interacts with several drugs and supplements. It’s important to tell your doctor everything you are taking before using Luvox.
You should not take fluvoxamine if you are using any of the following medications:
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as phenelzine or tranylcypromine
- Linezolid
- Thioridazine
- Tizanidine
- Pimozide
- Alosetron
- Ramelteon
Other medications might be safe to use for some people taking fluvoxamine, but increase the risk for side effects. These drugs include:
- Benzodiazepines such as alprazolam or diazepam
- Clozapine
- Methadone
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen
- Lithium
- Tacrine
- Triptans, such as sumatriptan
- Tryptophan
- Diltiazem
- Beta-blockers, such as propranolol or metoprolol
- Mexiletine
- Theophylline
- Warfarin
- Carbamazepine
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
- Serotonergic drugs
Certain drugs and supplements increase the risk of serotonin syndrome when taking fluvoxamine, including:
- Other SSRIs, including fluoxetine and sertraline
- SSNRIs, including duloxetine and venlafaxine
- TCAs, including amitriptyline and clomipramine
- Fentanyl
- Tramadol
- Buspirone
- St. John’s wort
- Amphetamines
Luvox Frequently Asked Questions
Can Luvox make anxiety worse?
When you first start Luvox or change doses, you may experience unwanted symptoms. These can include increased anxiety, agitation, hostility, impulsive behaviors, and suicidal thoughts. These symptoms typically improve within a few weeks of taking the drug.
Can Luvox make you gain weight?
Luvox may cause weight gain in some people. In others, it may cause weight loss.
Does Luvox cause suicidal thoughts?
In the beginning stages of taking Luvox, you may experience thoughts of suicide, self-harm, and/or harming others. These symptoms are typically temporary and resolve within a few weeks as your body adjusts to the drug.
What happens if you suddenly stop taking Luvox?
Missed doses of Luvox increases your risk for relapse of anxiety symptoms. If you stop taking the drug abruptly (cold turkey), withdrawal symptoms will develop. These symptoms may include dizziness, vomiting, headaches, nausea, irritability, agitation, and tingling sensations on the skin, among others.
What's Next?
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- “Fluvoxamine | Side Effects, Dosage, Uses, and More.” Healthline, www.healthline.com/health/fluvoxamine-oral-capsule#about.
- “Luvox Side Effects: Common, Severe, Long Term.” Drugs.Com, www.drugs.com/sfx/luvox-side-effects.html.
