Brand-name Luvox is made by Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Generic Luvox is made by various drug manufacturers.
Luvox is part of a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or
SSRIs for short. SSRIs 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 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.
Studies have shown Luvox to be effective for the treatment of
OCD in adults, teens, and children. In one study, 30 percent of adults taking it felt that their OCD symptoms were "much improved," compared to only 10 percent of those not taking the drug. In another study, 21 percent of children and teens taking Luvox showed "very much improvement" in OCD symptoms, compared to just 11 percent of those not taking it. This study involved children as young as eight years old.
Some general considerations for when and how to take Luvox include the following:
- The medication comes in tablet form. It is taken by mouth once or twice daily.
- If you take Luvox just once daily, it is usually best to take it at bedtime.
- You can take Luvox with or without food. If the medication bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
- Luvox should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Luvox will not work if you stop taking it.
The dose of Luvox your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your age
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be taking.
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Luvox. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Some of the most common side effects include:
(Click Luvox Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
You can also read about specific side effects in the following eMedTV articles:
Luvox can potentially interact with many other medicines. Some of these interactions can be dangerous.
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Luvox?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this drug if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
You should also make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much Luvox may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Low potassium in the blood (hypokalemia)
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Breathing problems
- Drowsiness
- A rapid heart rate (tachycardia) or slow heart rate (bradycardia)
- Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
- Seizures
- Shakiness (tremors)
- Diarrhea
- Coma
- Loss of life.
If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Luvox Be Stored?
Luvox should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture or heat. The tablets should be kept in an airtight container.
Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Luvox as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Luvox tablets are available in three strengths:
- Luvox 25 mg
- Luvox 50 mg
- Luvox 100 mg.
Currently, both generic and brand-name versions of Luvox are available
(see Generic Luvox for more information).
