Luvox® (Fluvoxamine) for OCD and Anxiety

Fluvoxamine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor used to manage obsessive‑compulsive disorder and related anxiety symptoms. Many choose the generic to access proven treatment at Canadian pricing with US delivery from Canada. It is a prescription medicine; cash‑pay options can help when buying without insurance.

What Luvox® Is and How It Works

Luvox® is the brand name for fluvoxamine maleate, an SSRI that increases serotonin signaling by inhibiting its reuptake in the synaptic cleft. By enhancing serotonin availability, fluvoxamine helps reduce intrusive thoughts, compulsive behaviors, and the anxiety that often accompanies obsessive‑compulsive disorder. The medicine is available as immediate‑release tablets and, in some markets, as controlled‑release capsules. Effects build gradually with consistent daily use.

Clinicians often select fluvoxamine when obsessive thoughts and compulsions dominate daily life or when a patient has not responded to other SSRIs. Response varies by individual, and dosing is typically adjusted slowly to balance benefits with tolerability. For additional background on the condition itself, see our resource on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder or explore related Anxiety Medicines.

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Who Luvox® Is For

Fluvoxamine is used for obsessive‑compulsive disorder in adults and in certain younger patients when a clinician determines it is appropriate. In some regions and formulations, it may also be used for social anxiety disorder. Prescribers sometimes consider it for major depressive disorder where supported by local labeling and clinical judgment. People with a history of bipolar disorder, seizures, severe liver disease, or uncontrolled narrow‑angle glaucoma may require closer monitoring or a different option. Those with bleeding risks, low sodium, or significant drug interactions should be assessed carefully before starting therapy.

Use is contraindicated with monoamine oxidase inhibitors or within the recommended washout periods around MAOIs, and it should not be combined with certain drugs that strongly interact (see Interactions below). For individuals whose anxiety intersects with chronic conditions, this overview on Diabetes And Anxiety may be helpful when discussing treatment goals with a clinician.

Dosage and Usage

Fluvoxamine is taken once or twice daily depending on the formulation and dose. Immediate‑release tablets are commonly started at a low dose, then increased gradually based on response and tolerability. When higher daily amounts are used, clinicians often split doses to improve tolerability. Controlled‑release capsules, where available, are generally taken once daily, typically in the evening. Tablets can be taken with or without food; taking with a light snack may ease nausea for some patients. Do not crush or chew controlled‑release capsules.

Because individual needs vary, dosing and titration are based on clinical response, age, comorbidities, and interacting medications. If uncertainty arises about your exact regimen, follow the instructions on the prescription label and defer to the prescriber’s guidance. Do not stop suddenly without medical advice; dose reductions are usually tapered to reduce the chance of discontinuation symptoms.

Strengths and Forms

• Immediate‑release tablets: commonly available strengths include 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg.
• Controlled‑release capsules (brand‑specific): commonly available strengths include 100 mg and 150 mg.

Availability and exact presentations can vary by country and by the dispensing pharmacy.

Missed Dose and Timing

If a dose is missed, take it when remembered unless it is close to the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not double up. For once‑daily evening dosing, maintain a consistent routine to support steady levels. If frequent missed doses occur, discuss adherence strategies or device reminders with the care team.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store fluvoxamine at room temperature in a dry place, away from excess heat, humidity, and direct light. Keep the medication in its original, child‑resistant container with the pharmacy label intact. When traveling, keep medicines in carry‑on luggage and pack an extra small supply in a separate bag. A copy of the prescription and the labeled container helps with security checks and refills while away. Avoid storing in bathrooms or other damp environments.

Benefits

For many patients with OCD, fluvoxamine reduces the frequency and intensity of intrusive thoughts and the urgency to perform rituals. These improvements can make it easier to participate in daily activities and engage in therapies such as exposure and response prevention. In social anxiety disorder, where indicated, some patients experience reduced anticipatory anxiety and improved participation in social settings. Sustained use may help maintain symptom relief and reduce relapse risk when clinically appropriate.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common effects: nausea, upset stomach, sleepiness or insomnia, dry mouth, sweating, tremor, dizziness, headache, and decreased libido or other sexual side effects.
• Sometimes reported: constipation or diarrhea, agitation, weakness, yawning, or changes in appetite/weight.

Serious but less common risks include serotonin syndrome (especially with other serotonergic drugs), abnormal bleeding (higher risk with NSAIDs, aspirin, or anticoagulants), low sodium (hyponatremia), angle‑closure glaucoma, seizures, manic symptoms in those with bipolar disorder, and liver enzyme elevations. Antidepressants carry a boxed warning about increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults; close monitoring is important, especially during initiation and dose changes. Seek urgent care for symptoms of serotonin syndrome such as high fever, stiff muscles, confusion, or rapid heart rate.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Fluvoxamine is a strong inhibitor of CYP1A2 and CYP2C19 and can affect levels of medicines metabolized by these enzymes. Important interactions include:

• Contraindicated or to avoid: MAOIs (and within required washout periods), certain antipsychotics (for example, thioridazine or pimozide), and tizanidine.
• Use extreme caution or adjust: theophylline, warfarin, some benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, alprazolam), clozapine, propranolol, and caffeine.
• Serotonergic agents: triptans, tramadol, linezolid, methylene blue, St. John’s wort, lithium, other SSRIs or SNRIs such as Fluoxetine.
• Bleeding risks: NSAIDs and aspirin can increase bleeding when combined with SSRIs.

Alcohol can worsen sedation or dizziness. People with significant liver impairment may require lower doses. Discuss pregnancy, plans for pregnancy, or breastfeeding with a clinician to weigh benefits and risks.

What to Expect Over Time

Symptom relief develops progressively. Early benefits may involve reduced anxiety intensity or fewer intrusive thoughts, with broader functional gains emerging with steady dosing and behavioral supports. Dose adjustments are sometimes needed to balance effectiveness and tolerability. If response remains limited after a sufficient trial, clinicians may consider optimized dosing, switching to another agent, or adding cognitive behavioral therapy.

Compare With Alternatives

Other medicines considered for OCD or anxiety include SSRIs such as Zoloft and Escitalopram. Choice depends on symptom profile, side‑effect preferences, interactions, and past treatment history. Some patients respond differently to agents within the same class, so thoughtful trials under clinical supervision are common. If a branded option is preferred, discuss whether Luvox is suitable.

Pricing and Access

Ordering fluvoxamine through CanadianInsulin offers access to Canadian pricing with cross‑border dispensing for US patients. Many pay cash for generics; comparative savings can be meaningful versus typical US cash prices. We provide prompt, express, cold‑chain shipping. Checkout and customer data are protected by encrypted transfer. For current offers, see our promotions.

Availability and Substitutions

Availability may vary by strength, form, and brand. If a requested product is temporarily unavailable, a prescriber may recommend a clinically suitable alternative or a different strength to meet treatment goals. Pharmacy teams dispense the exact item written on the prescription unless the prescriber authorizes substitution consistent with local regulations.

Patient Suitability and Cost‑Saving Tips

Good candidates typically have a clinician‑confirmed diagnosis where SSRIs are appropriate and no contraindicated interactions. Those with significant hepatic impairment, seizure disorders, bipolar spectrum illness, or high bleeding risk need individualized plans. To manage costs, consider a multi‑month supply when appropriate, choose generic fluvoxamine when acceptable to the prescriber, and align refills with appointment schedules. Setting refill reminders and using a weekly pill organizer can support steady adherence.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is fluvoxamine a good first‑line option for my OCD symptoms?
• How will we adjust the dose if I experience side effects or limited benefit?
• Which of my current medicines or supplements might interact with fluvoxamine?
• Could psychotherapy such as exposure and response prevention improve results?
• How long should I continue treatment once symptoms improve?
• What signs of serotonin syndrome or low sodium should I watch for?
• Are lab tests or follow‑up visits recommended during titration?

Authoritative Sources

• FDA Label: Fluvoxamine
• Health Canada Monograph: Luvox
• MedlinePlus: Fluvoxamine

Ready to proceed? Place your prescription order for US delivery from Canada with prompt, express, cold‑chain shipping.

Disclaimer: This information is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always follow your prescriber’s directions and the pharmacy label.