What is the most important information I should know about Luvox (fluvoxamine)?

Do not take fluvoxamine together with thioridazine (Mellaril), terfenadine (Seldane), astemizole (Hismanal), cisapride (Propulsid), pimozide (Orap), or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate). You must wait at least 14 days after stopping an MAOI before you can take fluvoxamine. After you stop taking fluvoxamine, you must wait at least 14 days before you can start taking an MAOI.You may have thoughts about suicide when you first start taking an antidepressant, especially if you are younger than 24 years old. Fluvoxamine is FDA-approved for children with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It is not approved for treating depression in children. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits for at least the first 12 weeks of treatment.Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself. SSRI antidepressants may cause serious or life-threatening lung problems in newborn babies whose mothers take the medication during pregnancy. However, you may have a relapse of depression if you stop taking your antidepressant during pregnancy. If you are planning a pregnancy, or if you become pregnant while taking fluvoxamine, do not stop taking the medication without first talking to your doctor.

How should I take Luvox (fluvoxamine)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from the medication.Take each dose with water.Try to take the medicine at the same time each day. Follow the directions on your prescription label.It may take 4 weeks or more for you to start feeling better. Do not stop using fluvoxamine without first talking to your doctor. You may have unpleasant side effects if you stop taking this medication suddenly. Store fluvoxamine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Luvox (fluvoxamine) side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: skin rash or hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• tremors, shivering, muscle stiffness or twitching;
• seizure (convulsions);
• problems with balance or coordination;
• unusual thoughts or behavior; or
• agitation, confusion, sweating, fast heartbeat.

Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

• feeling nervous, restless, or unable to sit still;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• drowsiness, weakness;
• urinating more than usual;
• loss of appetite, weight gain or loss;
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, constipation, or upset stomach;
• decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm; or
• dry mouth, unpleasant taste in your mouth.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.You may have some side effects after you stop using fluvoxamine, including headache, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness or insomnia, nervousness, or agitation.