Top Generic Choice
Generic Equivalent (Luvox CR (Fluvoxamine))
Prescription Required What is Generic?
Description:
What is LUVOX CR used for?
Chemical name: FLUVOXAMINE (floo-vox-a-meen)
Luvox is one of the class of SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) medications that are widely used for their proven record of relieving major depression symptoms in people of all ages. However, Luvox is most commonly prescribed for treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder. It may be prescribed for depression, anxiety, and panic disorders. In rarer instances it is effective for some people in reducing the severity of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Luvox is also one of the medications regarded as most suitable for children with OCD.
There is currently ongoing research into the effectiveness of Luvox for treating separation anxiety disorder in children and adolescents, but currently it is not prescribed for treating that condition.
Ingredients:
Fluvoxamine maleate, carnauba wax, Hypromellose, mannitol, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, pregelatinized starch, silicon dioxide, sodium stearyl fumarate, starch, titanium dioxide, synthetic iron oxide
Directions:
Take Luvox exactly as directed by your prescribing physician. The recommended starting dose for adult patients is 50mg, taken once daily at bedtime. Doses can be increased in 50mg increments every 4 to 7 days as tolerated until the desired therapeutic effect is achieved. Luvox should never be taken at any dosage exceeding 300mg in a day.
The recommended starting does for children between 8 and 17 years of age is 25mg, taken once daily at bedtime. Doses can be increased in 50mg increments every 4 to 7 days as tolerated until the desired therapeutic effect is achieved. Luvox should never be taken at any dosage exceeding 200mg in a day for children.
Luvox is typically not prescribed for elderly patients, but if it is any guidelines here will not apply and the individual should be explicitly clear on their dosage guidelines as laid out by their physician.
Cautions:
Pregnant women should not take Luvox, as SSRI meds may lead to complications with the pregnancy that may require hospitalization.
There is a risk of negative drug interaction between Luvox and certain MAO inhibitor class drugs like isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine. Medications for Parkinson’s disease, migraine headaches, major infections, and ones that prevent nausea and vomiting may also interact with Luvox to cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome.
Prior or existing health conditions that your physician should be made aware of before taking Luvox include kidney or liver disease, narrow-angle glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, blood clotting disorders, seizure or epilepsy, bipolar disorder (manic depression), and electrolyte imbalances in the blood.
Side Effects:
Luvox may cause the following side effects:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weight Loss
- Yawning
- Loss of appetite
- Agitation
- Nervousness
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
Product Code: 10860
What is a Generic Drug?
A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
