iPsychology

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.

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, 50 mg 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: Liver Function.
While taking: Liver Function.

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.

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.

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 Tourette'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 Tourette's syndrome.