| | Medication Information:
Fluvoxamine (generic) ~ Luvox (brand) Classification: Antidepressant (SSRI type)
Common Usage: Major depressive disorder; obsessive-compulsive disorder
(OCD); panic disorder; bulimia nervosa; social phobia CommonMajor Side Effects: Unlike the other selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants, Lubox has a tendency to make patients drowsy,
and therefore is recommended to be given at bedtime. Some patients,
however, may still experience sleeplessness, nervousness, anxiety, dizziness,
shakiness, feeling of general weakness, nausea, vomiting and upset stomach, lake
of appetite, sexual dysfunction, dry mouth and sweating. Many of these
side effects lessen in severity or disappear with continued use of the drug.
Do not stop taking this drug suddenly without prescriber's knowledge or consent,
as OCD symptoms may return, and may be more severe. This is not a complete
list of all known or potential adverse effects. Notify your prescriber or
pharmacist of any symptoms that concern you that have started since you began
taking this medication, or if you have changed the does, or added or changed
other medication. Interactions with Other Medications: Do not take a monoamine oxidase
inhibitor (MAOI) such as phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate) or
selegiline (Eldepril) concurrently or within 2 weeks of the last dose of
fluvoxamine as this can cause a severe reaction known as serotonin syndrome.
A minimum of 2 weeks should elapse after taking a MAOI before starting
fluvoxamine. Serotonin syndrome can also occur with tramadol (Ultram) and
meperidine (Demerol). Over-the-counter drugs containing decongestants and
antihistamines may increase the severity of certain side effects, impairing
judgment while driving. Dextromethorphan ("DM"), found in many
over-the-counter and prescription cough preparations, and codeine have been
documented to cause serotonin syndrome in some patients taking SSRIs.
Patients who are switching from another antidepressant (such as Prozac, Zoloft,
Paxil or other types of antidepressants) must do so cautiously under a
physician's guidance, to prevent emergence of side effects. Patients
already on drugs such as propanolol (Inderal), metoprolol (Lopressor),
carbamazepine (Tegretol), some antipsychotics, diltiazem (Cardizem), lithium,
methadone, theophylline (Theo-Dur, Slo-BID) and warfarin (Coumadin) may have to
have adjustments made by their physician when taking Luvox. Not to be
taken with alcohol. Products or food containing tryptophan (poultry and
powdered protein drink mixes are among the highest) should not be eaten in large
amounts, and may cause severe headache, nausea, sweating and dizziness.
This is not a complete list of all known or potential drug interactions.
To help prevent avoidable problems, always make sure your pharmacist and all
prescribers know all of the medications you are taking. This includes
over-the-counter drugs and any dietary or herbal supplements or medications. CommonDosages: Fifty milligrams at bedtime is the recommended starting dose,
increasing the dose every 4 to 7 days until the desired effect is obtained.
The range is generally from 100 mg to 300 mg, not exceeding 300 mg. Total
daily doses over 100 mg are generally broken into twice-daily doses, with a
smaller dose during the day and a larger dose at bedtime. As with most
antidepressants, it may take a few weeks to see improvement and possibly a few
months to see the full effect. This drug must be taken on a regular
regimen to ensure maximum effect. Notify your prescriber or pharmacist if
you change your dose or discontinue this medication for any reason. Identification: Two dosage forms, both elliptical-shaped tables, that
are film-coated with the word "Solvay" and drug code stamped on one side, and
scored for easy cutting on the other:
50 mg: Yellow #4205
100 mg: Beige #4210 Storage: Store this medication at normal room temperature (59° F to 86°
F) in a tightly closed, light- and moisture-resistant container. If you
have difficulty opening child-resistant containers, your pharmacist can provide
a container that is easier to open. Keep the medication out of direct
sunlight and avoid storing it in a warm or humid area - such as the bathroom or
kitchen - to prevent deterioration. To prevent accidental poisoning, keep
all medications out of the reach of children. Do not take an expired
medication. Do not transfer medication from one container to another.
Carefully discard discontinued medication where children cannot find it. Edited by
Stephen R. Saklad Pharm.D. ASERVICE OF…. Psychopharmacology Update
Note: These guidelines are for general information only.For more specific information, consult your physician orpharmacist. |
