Luvox - Fluvoxamine

What is it?

Composition

The main active ingredient of Luvox is fluvoxamine maleate. This substance is responsible for the antidepressant effect of the drug, affecting the level of serotonin in the brain. Fluvoxamine helps reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders, stabilizing the mood and improving the overall mental state of the patient.

In addition to fluvoxamine, Luvox contains auxiliary components that ensure the stability, digestibility and duration of the drug:

• Lactose monohydrate
• Microcrystalline cellulose
• Colloidal silicon dioxide
• Pregelatinized starch
• Talc

These auxiliary substances do not have a therapeutic effect, but play an important role in the formation of the tablet and ensuring its stable action.

How to use?

Luvox should be taken strictly as prescribed by a doctor, since the dosage and regimen depend on the individual characteristics of the patient and the nature of the disease. Treatment usually begins with a low dose, which is gradually increased until the optimal therapeutic effect is achieved.

1. Luvox is taken orally, usually once or twice a day, preferably in the evening, since the drug can cause drowsiness.
2. The tablet should be swallowed whole with a sufficient amount of water. It is not recommended to chew or break it, so as not to damage the integrity of the dosage form.
3. The duration of treatment may vary, but is usually several months. It is important not to stop taking the drug on your own, even if symptoms have improved, to avoid a relapse of the disease.

If a dose is missed, do not take a double dose. If a missed dose occurs, it is necessary to take the drug as soon as possible, but if there is little time left until the next dose, it is better to skip the missed dose and continue taking it as usual.

How does it work?

Luvox (fluvoxamine) works by changing the chemical balance in the brain, affecting the level of serotonin, one of the neurotransmitters responsible for mood, sleep and behavior. Serotonin plays a key role in regulating emotional state, and its deficiency can lead to depression and anxiety disorders.

Fluvoxamine, being a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), blocks the reabsorption of serotonin in nerve cells, which leads to an increase in its concentration in the synaptic cleft. This helps to improve mood, reduce anxiety and stabilize the emotional background.

The drugs effect develops gradually, usually over several weeks. Patients may notice an improvement in mood and a decrease in anxiety symptoms only after 2-4 weeks of regular use, which requires patience and adherence to the prescribed treatment regimen.

Indications

Luvox is widely used in psychiatric practice due to its powerful effect on the serotonin system of the brain. The main indications for use include various mental disorders that are accompanied by mood disorders and anxiety states.

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) - Luvox is effective in reducing the intensity of obsessions and compulsions, helping patients better control their actions and thoughts.
• Depression - the drug is used to treat depressive episodes of varying severity, improving mood and overall psycho-emotional state.
• Anxiety disorders - Luvox is prescribed for generalized anxiety, panic attacks and social phobia, reducing the feeling of fear and anxiety.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) - fluvoxamine can help manage symptoms associated with past trauma.
• Social phobia - the drug helps reduce symptoms of fear in social situations, improving the quality of life of patients.

Contraindications

The use of Luvox has its limitations that must be taken into account for safe and effective treatment. Before starting to take the drug, it is important to familiarize yourself with the contraindications to avoid unwanted consequences.

• Hypersensitivity to fluvoxamine or any of the auxiliary components of the drug. An allergic reaction may manifest itself in the form of skin rash, itching, swelling and other symptoms requiring immediate discontinuation of the drug.
• Simultaneous use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 14 days after their withdrawal. The combination of these drugs can cause serious side effects such as serotonin syndrome.
• Severe liver failure. The liver plays a key role in the metabolism of fluvoxamine, and in case of severe liver dysfunction, the drug can accumulate in the body, increasing the risk of toxic effects.
• Lactation period. Fluvoxamine may be excreted in breast milk, which poses a risk to the nursing infant.
• Children under 18 years of age (in cases of depression) - the safety and effectiveness of Luvox in this age group for this disease have not been established.

Side effects

Like any medication, Luvox can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Most side effects are mild and go away as your body adjusts to the drug, but in some cases they may require dosage adjustments or discontinuation of the medication.

• Nausea and vomiting are the most common side effects, usually occurring early in treatment but decreasing over time.
• Drowsiness or insomnia - Luvox can affect sleep in different ways, causing either excessive sleepiness or difficulty falling asleep.
• Headaches - an unpleasant but short-lived symptom that may occur during the first few days of taking the drug.
• Dry mouth - a feeling of not having enough saliva, which can be relieved by drinking water frequently.
• Weight changes - some patients may experience both weight gain and weight loss.
• Decreased libido and sexual dysfunction - a possible decrease in sex drive and difficulty achieving orgasm.