Luvox

People who have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may benefit from Luvox. OCD occurs when the levels of serotonin in the brain become unbalanced. Luvox works by allowing more serotonin to remain in the brain, alleviating the symptoms of OCD. Luvox is available in a tablet form and is taken once or twice daily. Among the conditions that you should let your healthcare provider know about prior to taking Luvox are bipolar disorder, seizures, and liver disease. Side effects of Luvox can include nausea, drowsiness, and headaches.

 

What Is Luvox?

Luvox® (fluvoxamine maleate) is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in adults, teens, and children.
 
(Click Luvox Uses for more information on what Luvox is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Luvox?

Brand-name Luvox is made by Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Generic Luvox is available and is made by various generic manufacturers.
 

How Does Luvox Work?

Luvox is part of a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs for short. SSRIs, such as Luvox, affect 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 serotonin that remains in the gap between the cells. This is called "reuptake."
 
Normally, this process works without any problems. But when the levels of serotonin become unbalanced, it can cause a variety of conditions, including OCD. Luvox helps to block the reuptake of serotonin so that more serotonin remains 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.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;