Luvox CR (Fluvoxamine)

Do’s

• Take Luvox CR exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider , typically once daily at bedtime.
• Swallow the capsules whole. Don't crush or chew them, as it can cause side effects.
• Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you take, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal products.
• Take Luvox CR consistently, even if you feel well. Don't stop taking it without your healthcare provider's advice.
• Be patient. It may take several weeks to experience the full benefits of the medication.
• Tell your healthcare provider if your condition doesn't improve or worsens.

Don'ts

• Don't increase your dose or use Luvox CR more often than prescribed.
• Don't stop taking Luvox CR abruptly. Consult your healthcare provider about tapering the dosage gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Loss of appetite
• Trouble sleeping
• Weakness
• Sweating
• Easy bleeding/bruising
• Shaking (tremor)
• Decreased interest in sex
• Changes in sexual ability

Serious Side Effects:

• Fainting
• Irregular heartbeat
• Black stools
• Vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• Seizures
• Eye pain/swelling/redness
• Widened pupils
• Vision changes (such as seeing rainbows around lights at night, blurred vision)
• Serious allergic reactions (rare but possible), including rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, and trouble breathing
• Babies born to mothers who have used this drug during the last 3 months of pregnancy may rarely develop withdrawal symptoms such as feeding/breathing difficulties, seizures, muscle stiffness, or constant crying

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Luvox cr,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Inform your healthcare provider if you are allergic to fluvoxamine or any of its ingredients.

Disclose any pre-existing medical conditions to your healthcare provider before using Luvox CR, especially:

• Bipolar disorder or a family history of it
• Suicidal thoughts or attempts in you or your family
• Liver disease
• Seizures
• Low blood sodium
• Bleeding problems
• Glaucoma (angle-closure type) or a family history of it

Luvox CR may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or activities requiring alertness until you are sure you can do them safely. Don't drink alcohol or use marijuana while taking Luvox CR.

Fluvoxamine can affect your heart rhythm. Tell your healthcare provider about any heart problems or medications that may affect heart rhythm before using Luvox CR.

Low potassium or magnesium levels in your blood can increase the risk of heart rhythm problems with Luvox CR. Inform your healthcare provider about any conditions or medications that can cause electrolyte imbalance.

Tell your healthcare provider about all medications you take, including Luvox CR, before having surgery.

Older adults may be more susceptible to side effects like bleeding, loss of coordination, and QT prolongation. They may also be at higher risk for a salt imbalance (hyponatremia).

Children may experience side effects like loss of appetite and weight loss. Monitor their weight and height while taking Luvox CR.

Luvox CR should only be used during pregnancy when clearly necessary as it may harm the unborn baby. Fluvoxamine may also cause withdrawal symptoms in newborns. Discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. 

Fluvoxamine passes into breast milk and may affect the nursing infant. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.

Don't stop taking Luvox CR unless your healthcare provider instructs you to do so, as untreated mental health conditions can be serious. Discuss the risks and benefits of using Luvox CR during pregnancy with your healthcare provider.