Fluvoxamine ( Luvox ) a antidepressants from the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor ( SSRI ) family of drugs. This drug is used in the treatment of OCD ( obsessive-compulsive disorder ) but is also used to relief symptoms of depression, eating disorders, panic attacks, or chronic tension headaches.

CLASS: Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor. ( SSRI )
Generic name: Fluvoxamine.
Type: Antidepressant, Antiobsessional.

Strengths:

Tables:
50 mg, 100 mg.

Dosages: Actual dosage must be determined by a physician.


Oral:
Start: 50 mg bedtime.
Increases: 50 mg daily in intervals of 4 to 7 days. If dose goes above 100mg, divided in half and take twice a day.
Maximum: 300 mg in 24 hours.

Normal dosage:

If under 18 years of age, DO NOT USE!
18 to 60 years of age, 50mg bedtime.
Over 60 years of age, Lower dosage.

Problems with:

Liver Function: Lower dose and carefully monitored.
Kidney Function: Lower dose and carefully monitored.

Test:

Before taking:
While taking: regularly.

Take With: With or without food.

Full Benefits In: First day to a week.

Missed Dose(s): If within one hour take, if over an hour skip and then continue on your normal schedule.
Never Take a Double Dose!

If Stop Taking: Do not stop without consulting your physician.

Overdose symptoms include: Breathing difficulties, coma, convulsions, slow / fast heartbeat, or vomiting.
Can be fatal!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Warnings

The habit-forming potential is none. If stopped abruptly withdrawal syndromes have been reported with his medicine.

Do not take this drug if you are pregnant, try some non-drug alternatives.

Do not take this drug if planning to become pregnant. Do not take if you are breast-feeding.

Do not smoke while taking this drug.

Do not give this drug to children under eighteen. If over sixty only use drug in small doses and with close monitoring of it's side effects.

Do not use if: You had negative reactions to this drug or any drug in this class in the past. If you have taken or are taking Terfenadine or astemizole.

Inform your Doctor if: You had negative reactions to this drug or any drug in this class in the pass. If you have taken or are now taking Terfenadine, astemizole, or any MAO inhibitors in the last 14 days. If you have a history of heart problems. If you have epilepsy. If you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription drug. If you plan to be under anesthesia or having any surgery in the next few months, also if you will be undergoing any medical tests.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fluvoxamine ( Symptoms or Effects )

Common: Anorexia, constipation, dry mouth, headache, nausea, nervousness, skin rash, sleep problems, or somnolence.

Rare: Liver toxicity, mania, increase urination, seizures, sweating increase, tremors, or Touette's syndrome.

See physician always: Mania or tremors.

See physician if severe: Constipation, dry mouth, headache, nausea, nervousness, skin rash, increase urination, sleep problems, or sweating increase.

See physician NOW: Liver toxicity. ( Any yellowing of skin or the whites of eyes. )

Stop taking and see physician NOW: Seizures or Touette's syndrome.

Source:- /psyweb.com/Drughtm/jsp/luvox.jsp

Overview
Luvox is the brand name for Fluvoxamine, an antidepressant and antiobsessional drug. Luvox is a Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI). It is often prescribed for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). This drug is used to relieve anxiety and unpleasant thoughts that cause a person to repeat certain tasks.

Why is this drug prescribed?
Luvox is used primarily to treat Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD.) The obsessions or compulsions must cause marked distress, are time-consuming, or significantly interfere with social or occupational functioning.

Luvox is also used to treat:

depression
panic disorder
eating disorders
chronic tension headaches
Warnings and Precautions
Luvox has been tested in children with obsessive-compulsive disorder (although there is less dosage information available for children under eight years old) and it has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems than it does in adults. Because Luvox can cause decreased appetite, children taking Luvox long-term should have their growth and body weight measured regularly.

Luvox does not cause dependency, however withdrawal symptoms may occur if a patient stops taking Luvox suddenly. To avoid withdrawal, the dosage should be tapered gradually.

Luvox may interfere with judgment, thinking, or motor skills. Patients should not drive or operate heavy machinery until the effects of Luvox on that patient are known.

For Nursing Mothers: Luvox is secreted in human breast milk. The decision of whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug should take into account the potential for serious adverse effects to the nursing infant as well as the potential benefits of Luvox to the mother.

Contraindications
In patients with liver disease or dysfunction, Luvox should be slowly titrated in patients during the initiation of treatment. The dosage may need to be lowered in patients with liver or kidney disease.

Adverse Reactions
Luvox may cause the following reactions:

dry mouth
constipation
decreased appetite
nausea
insomnia
drowsiness
dizziness
headache
agitation
sleep disorders
diarrhea
weakness/loss of strength
hypomania
liver toxicity
nervousness
sexual problems (delayed or absent orgasm)
Interactions with Drugs and Other Substances
Drugs or substances that may interact with Luvox are:

MAO Inhibitors when taking Luvox - serious, possibly fatal, interactions can occur when taking these medications together.
Seldane (terfenadine) or Hismanal (astemizole) serious heart arrhythmias that may occur when these medications are taken with Luvox.
Elavil (amitriptyline), benzodiazepines, Tegretol (carbamazepine), Tagamet (cimetidine), Anafranil (clomipramine), Clozaril (clozapine), Tofranil (imipramine), Lithium, maprotiline, Dilantin (phenytoin), and theophylline may lead to drug toxicity when taken with Luvox.
Ultram (tramadol) can add to the risk of seizures.
Tryptophan may cause severe vomiting.
Coumadin (warfarin) may lead to bleeding.
Marijuana smoking may add to the drowsiness effect of Luvox.
Sources
http://www.whatmeds.com/meds/luvox.html