Luvox

The proper way to use

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor to benefit your condition as much as possible. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

Fluvoxamine may be taken with or without food or on a full or empty stomach. However, if your doctor tells you to take the medicine a certain way, take it exactly as directed.

If you are taking fluvoxamine for obsessive-compulsive disorder, you may have to take it for up to 10 or 12 weeks before you begin to feel better. Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits during this time.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • For treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder:
    • Adults—At first, 50 milligrams (mg) once a day at bedtime. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed. However, the dose usually is not more than 300 mg a day. If your daily dose is higher than 100 mg, your doctor may want you to take it in two divided doses.
    • Children younger than 8 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • Children 8 to 17 years of age—At first, 25 mg once a day at bedtime. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed. However, the dose usually is not more than 200 mg a day. If your daily dose is higher than 50 mg, your doctor may want you to take it in two divided doses.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

For twice-a-day dosing: Skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.