Luvox CR (Fluvoxamine Maleate Extended-Release Capsules) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 27, 2012

Luvox CR

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) »

What is obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and what are its symptoms?

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder that is characterized by the sufferer experiencing repeated obsessions and/or compulsions that interfere with the person's ability to function socially, occupationally, or educationally, either as a result of the amount of time that is consumed by the symptoms or the marked fear or other distress suffered by the person. Conventional knowledge is that there are four types of OCD: obsessions that are aggressive, sexual, religious or harm-related with checking compulsions; obsessions about symmetry that are accompanied by arranging or repeating compulsions; obsessions of contamination are associated with cleaning compulsions; and symptoms of hoarding.

An obsession is defined as a thought, impulse, or image that either recurs or persists and causes severe anxiety. These thoughts are irresistible to the OCD sufferer despite t...

Read the Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) article »

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Luvox CR

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LUVOX CR®
(Fluvoxamine Maleate)

Suicidality and Antidepressant Drugs

Antidepressants increased the risk compared to placebo of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies of major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of LUVOX CR (fluvoxamine maleate) Extended-Release Capsules or any other antidepressant in a child, adolescent, or young adult must balance this risk with the clinical need. Short-term studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults beyond age 24; there was a reduction in risk with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults aged 65 and older. Depression and certain other psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with increases in the risk of suicide. Patients of all ages who are started on antidepressant therapy should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior. Families and caregivers should be advised of the need for close observation and communication with the prescriber. (See WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS - Clinical Worsening and Suicide Risk and Use In Specific Populations - Pediatric Use.)

DRUG DESCRIPTION

LUVOX CR is an extended-release capsule for oral administration that contains fluvoxamine maleate, a selective serotonin (5-HT) reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) belonging to the chemical series, the 2-aminoethyl oxime ethers of aralkylketones.

Fluvoxamine maleate is chemically designated as 5-methoxy-4'-(trifluoromethyl) valerophenone-(E)-O-(2aminoethyl)oxime maleate (1:1) and has the empirical formula C₁₅H₂₁O₂N₂F₃•C₄H₄O₄. Its molecular weight is 434.41.

The structural formula is:

LUVOX CR® (Fluvoxamine Maleate) Structural Formula Illustration

Fluvoxamine maleate is a white to off-white, odorless, crystalline powder that is sparingly soluble in water, freely soluble in ethanol and chloroform, and practically insoluble in diethyl ether.

LUVOX CR Capsules are available in 100 mg and 150 mg strengths for oral administration. In addition to the active ingredient, fluvoxamine maleate, each capsule contains the following inactive ingredients: talc, sugar spheres, ammonio methacrylate copolymer type B, dibutyl sebacate, red iron oxide, FD&C Blue No. 2, titanium dioxide, gelatin (porcineor bovine-derived), and Opacode Grey. LUVOX CR Capsules are gluten-free.

What are the possible side effects of fluvoxamine (Luvox, Luvox CR)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: skin rash or hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Call your doctor at once if you have...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Luvox CR »

What are the precautions when taking fluvoxamine maleate extended-release capsules (Luvox CR)?

Before taking fluvoxamine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: personal or family history of bipolar/manic-depressive disorder, personal or family history of suicide attempts, liver disease, seizures, low sodium in the blood, severe loss of body water (dehydration), stomach/intestinal ulcers.

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Avoid alcoholic...

Read All Potential Precautions of Luvox CR »

Last reviewed on RxList: 6/17/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.