Luvox is used to treat severe depression, mood disorders, anxiety, some obsessive-compulsive disorders, and body dysmorphic disorders such as anorexia. Luvox is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), and is taken only under the careful supervision of a doctor. Luvox is thought to work by increasing serotonin levels, thereby elevating mood.
It’s very important that you disclose to your doctor or pharmacist any and all medications and supplements you are taking before starting Luvox, as it can interact poorly with some other substances. Your doctor will prescribe an initial dosage according to your symptoms and other medical conditions and history, and will monitor how well it’s working over the next several weeks in order to settle on a consistent dosage. It may take a few weeks to see any noticeable results, and it’s important that you keep taking only the prescribed dosage; do not discontinue taking Luvox without talking to your doctor first.
Some possible side effects include rapid or irregular pulse, tremors, vision problems, digestive problems, and anxiety. Serious allergic reactions are rare, but you need to pay close attention to your body and moods, and tell your doctor immediately if you’re having any severe reactions. Everyone’s body chemistry is different, and this medication, like all others, affects everyone differently. It’s often helpful to have someone close to you, like a friend, parent, spouse, or roommate observe you and your behaviors when you’re taking this or any psychotropic in order to keep a more objective eye on your progress or to notice any problems. There is really no one size fits all antidepressant or behavior modifying medication. It’s also important that you store Luvox and all medications in a cool, dry environment – not in the bathroom or refrigerator.
Luvox has proven to be quite successful as a “heavy hitter” in treating numerous psychological disorders. It works to even out moods so that the patient can often avoid the crashing lows and all-encompassing panic and anxiety attacks. The patient is usually able to eventually achieve a more realistic outlook on life in general without being constantly hindered by obsessive thoughts and negative physical manifestations of physiological disorders, such as hair pulling or skin picking. Luvox can function as a type of coping mechanism to enable the user to lead a more “normal” life, without all the frustrating distractions and “going off” on the little things. In addition, its overall calming effect has been useful in treating some types of impulse control and debilitating compulsions.
Body dysmorphic disorder, which can include anorexia or an obsession or preoccupation with one’s physical features is another disorder often successfully treated with Luvox. By enabling the brain to block out some perceived fixations and obsessions with imagined physical defects, Luvox can work to lessen the interference of these negative thoughts and help the patient focus on what’s “real” versus continuing to fall down the rabbit hole of continually trying to “improve” the minutiae of what they think is ugly or disfiguring.
