Luvox CR

Luvox CR is a prescription drug used for the treatment of social anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. By balancing serotonin levels in the brain, the long-acting medication can improve symptoms of these conditions. Luvox CR comes in capsule form and is usually taken once a day at bedtime. While most people tolerate this drug well, potential side effects include drowsiness, nausea, and insomnia.

Luvox CR Medication Information

What Is Luvox CR?

Luvox^® CR (fluvoxamine CR) is a long-acting prescription medication approved to treat the following conditions:

Social anxiety disorder (also know as social phobia)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

(Click Luvox CR Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)

Who Makes It?

Luvox CR is made by Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

How Does It Work?

Luvox CR belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or

SSRIs for short. SSRIs act on a specific chemical within the brain known as serotonin. Serotonin is one of several chemicals used to send messages from one nerve cell to another.

As a message travels down a nerve, it causes the end of the cell to release serotonin. The serotonin enters the gap between the first nerve cell and the one next to it. When enough serotonin reaches the second nerve cell, it activates receptors on the cell and the message continues on its way. The first cell then quickly absorbs any unused serotonin that remains in the gap between cells. This is called "reuptake."

Normally, this process works without any problems. However, when the levels of serotonin become unbalanced, it can cause a variety of conditions, including OCD and social anxiety disorder. Luvox CR helps to block the reuptake of serotonin, causing more to remain in the space between the brain's nerve cells. This gives the serotonin a better chance of activating the receptors on the next nerve cell, restoring a more normal serotonin balance.

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