Luvox

Luvox is the brand name for fluvoxamine, a medication in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class used as an antidepressant. It increases serotonin levels in the brain by inhibiting the serotonin transporter (SERT). Fluvoxamine is available as fluvoxamine maleate and is used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and, depending on the country, other anxiety disorders.

Indications and use vary by regulatory approval. The primary approved use is OCD in adults, with some markets also approving fluvoxamine for other anxiety disorders such as social anxiety disorder or panic disorder. Clinicians may prescribe it off-label for other conditions, including certain depressive disorders, based on clinical judgment and regional guidelines.

Administration and dosing follow a gradual approach. The medication is taken orally, typically starting at a low dose and titrating upward as needed. It may take several weeks to observe full clinical benefit. As with other SSRIs, common adverse effects can include nausea, insomnia or drowsiness, dry mouth, sexual dysfunction, sweating, and fatigue. Some patients experience weight changes or dizziness.

Contraindications and interactions: fluvoxamine should not be used with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or during the acute recovery phase after a myocardial infarction. It is a significant inhibitor of several liver enzymes, including CYP1A2 and CYP2C19, which can lead to important drug interactions with other medications. Caution is advised when co-prescribing with substances that affect serotonergic transmission to avoid serotonin syndrome.

Safety and efficacy should be discussed with a healthcare professional, who can provide guidance based on medical history and concurrent treatments.