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What
is Luvox?
Luvox (fluvoxamine maleate) is a selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitor (SSRI) marketed jointly by Solvay Pharmaceuticals,
Inc., and the Upjohn Company. Luvox was approved by the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration in 1993 for the treatment of
obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), a biological illness
involving an imbalance of a brain chemical. Fluvoxamine is
now available in several inexpensive generic preparations.
What
does Luvox treat?
Luvox has been shown to effectively reduce the symptoms associated
with OCD, an anxiety disorder affecting an estimated five
million Americans. OCD is characterized by obsessions (unwanted,
recurrent and disturbing thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive,
ritualized behaviors that the person feels driven to perform
in order to lessen the anxiety produced by the obsessions).
How
does Luvox work?
Current theories indicate that OCD is a biological illness
involving an imbalance of a naturally occurring brain chemical
called serotonin, which sends impulses from one nerve cell
to another. It is this serotonin imbalance that is linked
to OCD. Luvox works by improving this imbalance and reducing
the obsessions and compulsions associated with OCD.
Who
can benefit from Luvox?
Physicians and the millions of Americans with OCD have, with
Luvox, a option in drug treatment. Patients who have not benefitted
previously from medication may respond to Luvox.
Studies show that
Luvox is effective for elderly patients as well as young persons.
Luvox is now FDA approved for the treatment of OCD in children
and adolescents. Luvox should be used cautiously in patients
with a history of mania and/or seizures. Nursing mothers and
women who become pregnant during therapy with Luvox should
consult a physician about continuing treatment.
A recent nationwide
survey of more than 1,000 adults found that over half of the
respondents were not aware that medications exist to treat
OCD. Luvox represents another pharmacotherapy option in therapy
that may help to clear up this misperception and increase
the number of people being successfully treated for OCD.
What
is the standard dose of Luvox?
Luvox is available by prescription and comes in 50 mg and
100 mg tablets. The recommended starting dose is 50 mg, taken
as a single daily dose at bedtime. The dosage may be increased
in 50 mg increments every four to seven days until maximum
therapeutic benefit is achieved. The dosage should never exceed
300 mg/day. For doses over 100 mg/day, it is recommended that
Luvox be given in divided doses. If the doses are unequal,
the larger dose should be given at bedtime. Try to be patient
the first few weeks of treatment. Improvement may occur only
after several weeks or months.
It may be necessary for physicians to modify the initial dose
and subsequent dosage increases for older patients.
Can
I take Luvox with other medications?
There are several medications that should not be taken in
combination with Luvox. These medications include the prescription
antihistamines Seldane and Hismanal as well as any MAOI (monoamine
oxidase inhibitor) medication, such as Parnate, Nardil, or
Marplan. Patients should notify their physicians if they are
taking or plan to take any other medications with Luvox because
there is a potential for harmful interactions.
It is also advisable to avoid alcohol while undergoing treatment
with Luvox.
What
are the side effects of Luvox?
As with any medication, there are some side effects associated
with Luvox in certain individuals. The most commonly observed
side effects include insomnia, sleepiness, nausea, weakness,
sexual dysfunction, nervousness, dry mouth, and constipation.
Also, caution should be taken by patients who drive or operate
machinery because Luvox may impair judgment, thinking, or
motor skills.
How
long should I stay on Luvox?
Most patients with OCD who have responded to Luvox will need
to stay on the medication for prolonged periods of time, often
years, to avoid relapse. Studies have indicated that this
is both safe and effective, but it is important to remain
under the supervision of your physician for as long as you
continue taking any medication.
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and supports, and medications;
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