Side Effects of Luvox

Luvox is a prescription medication used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The medicine functions by bringing a patient's brain chemistry back into balance. The medicine is also used to treat other ailments, such as bulimia and depression. As with any drug, Luvox carries the risk of serious side effects.

Common Side Effects

• Common side effects include upset stomach, anxiety, nervousness, dizziness, constipation, diarrhea, lowered sexual ability, nausea, appetite loss, increased sweating, headache, gas, drowsiness, dry mouth, changes in taste, difficulty sleeping, stuffy nose, throwing up and weakness.

  These side effects are usually not considered to be a problem, as they tend to go away once the body adapts to the medicine. However, if any of these side effects becomes chronic, or if they get worse, you should notify your doctor.

Serious Side Effects

• Serious side effects are also a possibility when taking Luvox. If any of these occur, seek emergency medical attention as soon as possible. Some potentially dangerous side effects of Luvox include extreme or lingering headache, irregular or rapid heartbeat, exaggerated reflexes, impulsiveness, abnormal or extreme mood or mental changes, agitation that gets worse, chest pain, problems with concentration, disorientation, confusion, bloody or dark stools, memory loss, fever, hallucinations, panic attacks, abnormal swelling and weakness, changes in vision, restlessness, red or blistered skin, aggressiveness, painful menstrual periods, suicidal behaviors or attempts, tremors, abnormal bleeding or bruising, painful or lingering erection, stiff muscles, coordination loss, and strange behavior.

Allergic Reactions

• Allergic reactions are also considered to be severe side effects of taking Luvox. In cases of allergic reaction, it is necessary to immediately get medical help. Some signs of allergic reaction to Luvox include trouble breathing; chest tightness; swelling of the face, tongue, lips and mouth; skin rash; breaking out into hives and itchiness.

Warnings

• Luvox is not suitable for everyone. You should avoid this medication if you are taking certain other drugs such as thioridazine, alosetron, pimozide, tizanidine or MAO inhibitors (phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine and isocarboaxazid).

Caution

• It is very important to exercise caution when considering taking Luvox. You must inform your doctor of your full medical history, including any current conditions you might have, especially if you have manic depression, liver disease, epilepsy or seizures. Those who have experienced suicidal thoughts or attempts in the past must also notify their physicians.