Warnings & Recalls for Luvox
Black Box Warning
The FDA requires a
black box warning due to a higher risk of suicidal thinking among users of Luvox as well as all other SSRI medications. The black box warning is an indication of an increased risk of severe or life-threatening complications.
Family Planning Warnings
There is no sufficient data regarding the effect of Luvox on pregnant mothers and their infants. Luvox should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the fetus.Luvox is passes on into human breast milk. The decision to discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue the drug should be based on the level of the mother's necessity of the drug.
General Warnings
Your doctor will determine whether Luvox is right for you based on factors such as weight, age and personal medical history. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are allergic to any medications or if you have any known food allergies.
The elderly have age-specific problems that limit the usefulness of Luvox. Because of liver problems associated with the elderly, older patients should receive a decreased dosage.
Interactions
- mono-amine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) class of antidepressants such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), and procarbazine (Matulane)
- drugs that increase seratonin in the brain such as tryptophan, St. John's wort, meperidine (Demerol), and tramadol (Ultram)
- clozapine (Clozaril)
- theophylline (Theodur, Uniphyl)
- alprazolam (Xanax)
- triazolam (Halcion)
Luvox Treatment and Use
What is Luvox?
Luvox | Fluvoxamine is an anti-depressant made by Jazz Pharmaceuticals that is one of the most potent of a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s); similar in function to drugs like Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft (sertraline), and Celexa (citalopram).
The primary use for Luvox is in the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). It is also popularly prescribed for treatment of depression, social anxiety and social phobia.
How does Luvox work?
Luvox works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, or chemical that is used in the process of sending messages from one nerve cell to another. When a message travels through a nerve, the nerve ending releases serotonin. When serotonin gets to the next nerve cell in the chain, receptors are activated and the message continues along the line. The cell that released the serotonin then reabsorbs any residual chemical that is in the gap. This is called “reuptake.” Under normal circumstances, this process occurs without any problems.
When there is not enough serotonin between nerve cells, disorders such as depression or anxiety may occur. Luvox blocks the reuptake of serotonin (more than the other SSRI’s) so that more of it remains in between the brain’s nerve cells. Serotonin then has a better chance of activating the chemical receptors on the next nerve cell. This is believed to enhance mood and alleviate some of the symptoms of OCD or social anxiety.
How to take Luvox
Luvox comes in tablet form, usually started in daily 50 mg doses and gradually increased to 100 mg to 300 mg doses.
