Luvox (generic name: fluvoxamine) works by helping the body increase serotonin at lower doses and norepinephrine at higher doses. Unfortunately for the popularity of Luvox, it was claimed that one of the teenagers involved in a high-school shooting incident was taking it. Subsequently, Luvox was withdrawn from the market (though eventually reintroduced). However, it is not known for certain that the teenager involved had a correct diagnosis of unipolar major depression the drug could be unfairly maligned because it was used to treat a disease it’s not meant for.

Luvox helps stop a patient’s repetitive thoughts, slightly dulling sadness and other negative emotions. Patients also say that Luvox makes them sleepy, although daytime sleepiness is decreased by taking Luvox at night. Clinical studies show that at least 10 percent of people taking Luvox complain of dry mouth, stomachache, nervousness, or insomnia. Other side effects include increased perspiration and delayed ejaculation in men.

Luvox takes about five hours to get into the bloodstream after it is ingested. It stays in the body about two days, and it takes about a week to reach a steady concentration in the bloodstream. It comes in 25-, 50-, and 100-milligram generic tablets and 100- and 150-milligram once-daily capsules. Usually Luvox is started at 50 milligrams and increased to 100-300 milligrams taken at bedtime. Caffeine may increase the Luvox level in the blood, whereas smoking can reduce its level. Luvox takes longer to clear in elders and individuals with liver disease, and they should receive lower doses.

Luvox is an effective antidepressant with a number of side effects and no remarkable benefits. It’s often a very effective treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and compulsive habits such as hair-pulling (trichotillomania).

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