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  • Generic Name: (fluvoxamine maleate)
    Other Brands: N/A
  • Last Revised: 11/2014
    • What is this medication and its most common uses?

      Luvox CR is a medicine called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It is used to treat obsessive compulsive disorder.


      How does this medication work?

      Luvox CR is an extended-release medicine (a type of capsule that releases medicine into your body throughout the day). It is thought to work by increasing the level of a chemical in your brain called serotonin. By increasing serotonin, Luvox CR may help improve your symptoms.


      What: Luvox CR has been shown to relieve symptoms associated with obsessive compulsive disorder, as measured by an appropriate symptom rating scale that is commonly used by healthcare providers to evaluate the effectiveness of the medicine in people with this condition.

      When: Everyone responds differently to treatment, so try to be patient and follow your healthcare provider's directions. It is important that you take Luvox CR exactly as your healthcare provider has prescribed, even if you do not feel better right away.

      How do I know it is working?


    • What are the possible side effects of this medication?


      Luvox CR can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, teenagers, and young adults. Your healthcare provider will monitor you closely for clinical worsening and suicidal or unusual behavior after you start taking Luvox CR or start a new dose of Luvox CR. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you experience anxiety, hostility, sleeplessness, restlessness, impulsive or dangerous behavior, or thoughts about suicide or dying; or if you have new symptoms or seem to be feeling worse.

      More common side effects may include: sexual problems, loss of appetite, weakness, diarrhea, nausea, drowsiness, sweating, shaking.

      Less common side effects may include:

      Serotonin syndrome (a potentially life-threatening drug reaction that causes the body to have too much serotonin, a chemical produced by the nerve cells) with symptoms such as mental status changes (such as agitation or hallucinations), an increase in your heart rate and temperature, lack of coordination, overactive reflexes, muscle rigidity, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

      Abnormal bleeding or bruising, especially if you also take blood thinners (such as warfarin), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (such as ibuprofen or naproxen), or aspirin.



      Luvox CR may also cause seizures.

      Visual problems with symptoms such as eye pain, changes in vision, or swelling or redness in or around the eye.

    • Who should not take this medication?

      Do not take Luvox CR if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients.

      Do not take Luvox CR if you take another medicine called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (such as phenelzine, selegiline, or linezolid), a class of medications used to treat depression and other conditions. Do not start taking Luvox CR if you stopped taking an MAOI in the last 2 weeks, unless directed to do so by your healthcare provider.

      Do not take Luvox if you take thioridazine, tizanidine, pimozide, alosetron, or ramelteon.


      Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Luvox CR. Also, talk to your healthcare provider about your complete medical history, especially if you have heart, kidney, or liver problems; bipolar disorder or mania; low sodium levels in your blood; high blood pressure; a history of stroke, bleeding problems, or seizures; or if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

    • What is the usual dosage?


      Adults: The recommended starting dose is 100 milligrams once a day. Your healthcare provider may adjust your dose as needed until the desired effect is achieved.



    • How should I take this medication?

      Take Luvox CR exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not change your dose or stop taking Luvox CR without first talking to your healthcare provider.

      Take Luvox CR at bedtime, with or without food.

      Swallow Luvox CR capsules whole. Do not crush or chew them.

    • What should I avoid while taking this medication?

      Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or engage in other dangerous activities until you know how Luvox CR affects you.

      Do not drink alcohol while you are taking Luvox CR.


      If Luvox CR is taken with certain drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Luvox CR may interact with numerous medications. Therefore, it is very important that you tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking.


      Luvox CR may harm your newborn baby if you take it during the last few months of your pregnancy. Luvox CR can be found in your breast milk if you take it while breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed while you are taking Luvox CR. Tell your healthcare provider immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.


      If you miss a dose of Luvox CR, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at once.

    • How should I store this medication?

      Store at room temperature. Protect from humidity.

    • Who should I contact in case of emergency or overdose?
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