What are the Uses?
Fluvoxamine Maleate, or Luvox, introduced in 1995, is a medication used to treat the following conditions: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Depression, and Panic Attacks
WARNING - DO NOT GIVE THIS DRUG TO CHILDREN UNDER EIGHTEEN.
Eric Harris was taking Luvox at the time of the Littleton Murders.
Luvox works balancing the levels of a neurotransmitter, serotonin, and thereby relieving the symptoms of OCD and depression.
When Will My Medication Start to Work?
It may take one to two weeks before beginning to feel the effects of Luvox. It may take longer to experience the full effects of Luvox, which depends on dosage and varies from person to person.
Any Other Important Information?
If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the potential risks of this or any medication with your doctor.
If nausea and vomiting continue for more than two days after you start taking this medication, call your doctor.
A withdrawal syndrome has been reported if this medication is stopped suddenly so do not stop taking this drug without first talking to your doctor.
What are the Side Effects?
Remember that only some people will experience side effects--and that no one experiences side effects in exactly the same way. If you experience any side effects, contact your doctor or clinician right away and continue taking your medication.
The following list may not contain all of the side effects associated with this medication:
dry mouth, constipation, anorexia, nausea, insomnia, and drowsiness
Infrequent side effects dizziness, headache, agitation, sleep disorders, delayed or absent orgasm, diarrhea, weakness/loss of strength
Rare side effects
Are there any Drug Interactions?
Remember, always follow your physician's recommendations on how to take your medication. Even if you are taking one of the following substances, continue taking your medication as prescribed and consult your physician. Also, if you are taking any herbal remedies, vitamins, and/or over-the-counter medications, be sure to tell your physician. The following section offers some, but not necessarily all, of the possible drug interactions.
Do NOT take MAO Inhibitors when taking Luvox or if you have discontinued taking MAO Inhibitors less than 14 days ago. Serious, possible fatal, interactions can occur when taking these medications together. Do NOT take Luvox when taking Seldane(terfenadine) or Hismanal(astemizole) due to the possible serious heart arrhythmiasthat may occur when these medications are taken together. The following medications when taken with Luvox may lead to drug toxicity: Elavil(amitriptyline), benzodiazepines, Tegretol(carbamazepine), Tagamet(cimetidine), Anafranil(clomipramine), Clozaril(clozapine), Tofranil(imipramine), Lithium, maprotiline, Dilantin(phenytoin), and theophylline. Ultram(tramadol) may increase seizure risk. Tryptophan may cause severe vomiting. Coumadin(warfarin) may lead to bleeding.
There appears to be no significant interaction with alcohol and Luvox. Also, Luvox stays in the body up to one-quarter less the time in nonsmokers than smokers. Marijuana smoking may add to the drowsiness effect of Luvox.
