Doctors' Answers to "Frequently Asked Questions" - Luvox

These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An individual patient is always advised to consult their own physician.

Luvox [posted 1/7/99]
Question:I have just been prescribed luvox for panic attacks. I have been on it for just a couple of days, but I was wondering when the side effects of dry mouth and nausea wear off? Does it wean as the day goes on? Also, are you supposed to have a feeling of being "drugged up"?

Answer: They'll last. The improvement in mental attitude usually comes in about 2-3 weeks.

Luvox & Dreaming [posted 11/17/98]
Question:My wife was taking luvox and experienced excessive dreams. One doctor said not related, another said definitely related. She stopped taking the drug, but dreams have continued. They are very vivid dreams and she cannot even get a short nap without dreaming. What can we do?

Answer: I'd see a sleep specialist, she needs a sleep study to find the cause.

Luvox Information [posted 11/11/98]
Question:My doctor put me on Luvox about six weeks ago. I would like to know the said affects of this drug. Thank you

Answer: Like most things varies with patients-dry mouth, constipation, decreased sexual drive, difficulty with orgasm, occasional appetite changes-either up or down, would be the most common.

Is Weight Gain Normal When Luvox is Stopped [posted 11/10/98]
Question:Thank you for being here for me. I have been on LUVOX for 6 months but some form of the ssi drugs for 3 years. The dr. was treating me for spasm in right knee after torn ligament surgery-anyhow I have decided to take a more natural alternative and I have been off the drug for 3 weeks I have gained 10 pounds [I have always exercised-aerobic,yoga,walking] and seem to be retaining water,my breast are so sore I can't run, my daughter is a nurse and said she thought it is a hormone thing withdrawl from that drug, if you think that is the case please let me know and how much longer does it take to get this out of your system,any more weight gain I am afraid I will start taking them again.

Answer: These drugs can have a major effect on appetite in some patients, I suspect that is the problem. If so, it is not a drug withdrawal effect;but, lack of the drug causing the problem.

Does Luvox Show Up on Employer Drug Tests [posted 11/5/98]
Question:I am currently taking an Rx for Luvox. Is this drug detectable on typical employment drug screens. I do not necessarily wish to disclose this to an employer

Answer: Well, depends on the drug testing and what they are looking for. Most are looking for illicit drugs and this is not one of those. But, possible and depends on the test.

Luvox
Question: I have been on luvox for a couple of months now for bulimia and depression. I was first on paxil but after a few months it seemed to have stopped working. As a result he prescribed luvox which was wonderful at first except for the blurred vision that it caused my eyes which forced me to get a stronger pair of prescription glasses. Is this harmful to the eyes? I also seemed to have slumped in a deep pit of depression lately and it seems like luvox is taking the same route of the paxil. I also have started the desire to binge again. Is this common for anti depressants to work at first and then to stop? My doctor has tried everything with both paxil and luvox from decreasing doses to increasing them and nothing seems to help.

Answer: Usually, people do not get refractory to these medications. Have they tried increasing the dosage or combining with non-SRI type drugs?

Luvox
Question: I am on luvox for an eating disorder which I have found to be helpful. However, since I have been on it I have noticed that my vision is more blurry and I have had to get stronger prescription glasses as a result. One of the side effects of luvox is blurred and/or altered vision. Is this doing damage to my eyes and should I be concerned?

Answer: This is not a permanent problem - only when you are taking Luvox.


Back to Drug InfoNet Home Page.