An Overview of Luvox and Suicide
Luvox® (
fluvoxamine maleate) is a prescription medication that is used for the treatment of
obsessive-compulsive disorder (
OCD) in adults, teens, and children. It is part of a group of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (
SSRIs). Because of the way it works in the brain, Luvox is classified as an
antidepressant. As with all antidepressants, there may be an increased risk of suicidal behavior when taking Luvox.
Luvox and Suicide: FDA Warning
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a special warning about the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior with
antidepressant use in children and teenagers. The warning was issued due to concerns that antidepressants seemed to increase the risk of suicidal behavior in children and teenagers in clinical studies.
Does Luvox Cause Suicides?
In previous clinical studies, it did appear that there was a slightly increased risk of suicidal behavior in children and teenagers who took antidepressants (such as Luvox).
In one study, about 4 percent of children and teens taking an antidepressant had suicidal thoughts or behavior, compared to 2 percent of children and teens who were not taking an antidepressant. This study looked at all suicidal behavior, including suicides, attempted suicides, and thoughts about committing suicide. It is important to note that no one in the study actually committed suicide.
It is difficult to know for sure if there is a relationship between the use of antidepressants, such as Luvox, and suicides or suicidal behavior. To make matters more confusing,
depression itself can cause suicidal behavior. The bottom line is that you should report any signs of suicidal behavior to your healthcare professional, regardless of whether or not you are taking an antidepressant.
Certain people seem to be at a higher risk of suicidal behavior while taking antidepressants. These people include those with
bipolar disorder (or a family history of
bipolar disorder) and people who have attempted suicide (or have a family history of suicide attempts).
