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Fluvoxamine / LuvoxProper use of this medication: * This medication is not addictive, and does not cause a high feeling. * Take this medication exactly as directed. Do not take more of it and do not take it more often than prescribed. Do not miss any doses. * If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses. * Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication, as it may interfere with its effectiveness. * If there is a possibility you may become pregnant or breast-fee while on this medication, first consult with your physician. * When taken regularly, this medication may require 2-6 weeks before the full effects are noticed. * This medication should not be discontinued without first consulting with your physician. Withdrawal symptoms may occur when fluvoxamine is abruptly stopped. Symptoms may include dizziness, headache, nausea, and irritability. * Store this medication in a cool, safe place away from the reach of children. This medication is usually very well tolerated. However, possible side effects include: * Decreased sleep: If this occurs, take fluvoxamine earlier in the day. Insomnia may diminish with continued use. * Anxiety/restlessness: This will usually diminish with continued use. If anxiety causes difficulty, consult with your physician. * Drowsiness: If this occurs, take this medication 1 hour before bedtime. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive or use dangerous machinery. This usually diminishes with continued use. * Nausea: Fluvoxamine should be taken with food. Nausea usually diminishes with continued use. * Constipation or diarrhea: A high-fiber diet, regular exercise, and plenty of water to drink may treat this uncommon side effect. This usually diminishes with continued use. * Decreased appetite/weight loss: Be sure to follow a balanced diet, with regular meals. * Dry mouth: This may diminish with continued use. Dry mouth may increase your risk for dental disease. Chew sugarless gum and brush at least daily with fluoridated toothpaste. * Headache: This will usually diminish with continued use. Discuss with your physician if persistent. * Tremor: This tends to diminish with continued use. * Sexual Difficulties: Decreased sexual desire and difficulty achieving orgasm may occur with use of this medication. This side effect will only occur while on this medication. Discuss this with your physician for treatment options. * Bruising/bleeding: Use of fluvoxamine can slightly increase risk of bruising and bleeding, but this can be significant when aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g naproxen, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, flurbiprofen, diclofenac, sulfasalazine, sulindac, oxaprozin, salsalate, piroxicam, indomethacin, etodolac) are also taken. * If any side effect persists or becomes intolerable, discuss this with your physician. The following other medications may require dosage adjustment while taking Fluvoxamine: * Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (Isocarboxazid/Marplan, Tranylcypromine/Parnate, Phenelzine/Nardil). * Other Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (Fluoxetine/Prozac, Paroxetine/Paxil, Sertraline/Zoloft, Venlafaxine/Effexor). * Triazolam/Halcion, Alprazolam/Xanax, Diazepam/Valium, Nefazodone/Serzone, Terfenadine/Seldane, Astemizole/Hismanal, Erythromycin, Dextromethorphan (a common cough suppresant), Celecoxib (Celebrex), Cisapride/Propulsid. * Tricyclic antidepressants. * Carbamazepine/Tegretol, Phenytoin/Dilantin, Clozapine/Clozaril, Diltiazem/Cardiazem, Metoprolol, Propanolol/Inderal, Verapamil, Lithium, Theophylline, Warfarin/Coumadin. * Fluvoxamine may make caffeine much more potent. * Smoking may increase side effects. * Ginkgo biloba may interfere with effectiveness. |
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