Luvox: Medication for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?
Luvox: Why is it prescribed?
Luvox is an antidepressant that is
frequently prescribed for
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in addition to depression. Obsessions usually involve frequent, unwanted
thoughts that prevent you from performing your daily activities. Compulsive or
ritualistic behaviors usually appear in the form of repetitions such as the
frequently washing of your hands or performing any other function or process
repetitiously such is counting and recounting, or constantly checking to make
sure that you have not forgotten something. Also, compulsive behavior may
include excessive neatness or even the hoarding of useless items.
Luvox: Some important facts about this medication
Before starting medication therapy
with Luvox, you should always let your doctor know what other medications you're
taking, which includes both prescriptions and over-the-counter medications.
Luvox combined with other medications may cause serious or even life-threatening
effects. You should avoid taking Luvox within 14 days of taking any
antidepressant medication classified as an MAO inhibitor such as Parnate or
Nardil. Also, you should never take Luvox with the medication Orap.
When should Luvox not be prescribed?
Luvox should never be prescribed if
you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to this medication or
similar drugs such as Zoloft and Prozac. Always make sure that your doctor is
aware of any drug reactions that you have ever experienced.
Luvox: Special warnings related to this medication.
You should always discuss any medical
conditions that you have prior to starting therapy with Luvox as certain
diseases and physical conditions may have some effect on your reaction to this
medication. You should use this drug cautiously if you've ever suffered from
seizures. If you experience any seizures while taking Luvox stop it immediately
and call your physician. If you have any history of suicidal thoughts or
behaviors, be sure to tell your doctor and he/she may want to reduce your dosage
or adjust it accordingly.
If you have had a manic episode
(out-of-control behavior, excessively energetic) you should use this medication
cautiously.
If you've ever had liver disease your
doctor may want to adjust your dosage of Luvox.
This medication may cause you to
become drowsy or less alert and have some effect on your judgment. Always be
cautious when operating dangerous machinery or participating in any otherwise
hazardous activity that requires your full mental attention until you are sure
of how you'll react to this medication.
Luvox has also been known to deplete
the body's supply of salt especially in the elderly and people taking diuretics
or suffering from dehydration. Under these circumstances, your doctor will check
your salt levels regularly.
Finally if you develop any hives or
rashes or any other possible allergic reactions, you should notify your doctor
immediately.
Pictures of Luvox by Permission of
Drugs.Com
Information adapted from The PDR Family Guide Guide to
Prescription Drugs
Additional
Information and webpage by
Paul Susic
MA
Licensed Psychologist Ph.D. Candidate
(Health and Geriatric Psychologist)
