Luvox® for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Social Anxiety

What Luvox® Is and How It Works

Luvox® (fluvoxamine maleate) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It is approved in Canada for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and social anxiety disorder. This SSRI increases serotonin levels in the brain, which helps reduce obsessions, compulsions, and social anxiety symptoms. Many people search for Luvox medication as a trusted option when an SSRI is needed. You will need a Luvox prescription to purchase this product.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy headquartered in Manitoba, and prescriptions are reviewed by licensed pharmacists before dispensing. We also work with vetted, licensed international partner pharmacies to source authentic brand medicines and generics at affordable prices and with a broad selection.

Luvox is taken by mouth as a tablet, usually once daily at bedtime or in divided doses. The dose is individualized. Prescribers may adjust slowly to balance effectiveness and tolerability. Both adults and adolescents with OCD can be candidates, while social anxiety dosing is for adults.

Dosage and Usage

• Initiation (adults, OCD): A common starting dose is 50 mg at bedtime. Dose increases by 50 mg every 4–7 days as tolerated.
• Typical range: 100–300 mg per day. Some patients respond at 100–200 mg daily. Maximum recommended dose is 300 mg/day, often given in divided doses if over 100 mg.
• Social anxiety (adults): Often started at 50 mg daily. Titration follows clinical response and tolerability.
• Pediatrics (OCD): Lower starting doses are used. Titration is gradual, based on response and tolerability.
• Available strengths: Luvox pill tablets in 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg. Prescribers may use Luvox 25 mg for careful titration. Higher daily totals may reach 200 mg or more in some cases (for example, Luvox 200 mg/day).
• Administration: Tablets are swallowed whole with water. Food may be taken if stomach upset occurs.
• Missed dose: Take the next dose at the regular time. Do not double up.
• Tapering off Luvox: Gradual dose reductions help lower discontinuation symptoms. Schedules are individualized by the prescriber.

• Storage: Store at 20–25 °C (68–77 °F) in a dry place. Keep tablets in the original container, tightly closed.
• Moisture and light: Protect from humidity and direct light. Use a desiccant if supplied.
• Travel: Keep medication in your carry-on. Bring your prescription label for security checks.
• Heat/cold: Do not leave in a hot car or freeze. Short room-temperature trips are fine.
• Organization: Use a labeled pill organizer when traveling. Set phone reminders to stay on schedule.

Benefits and Savings

Luvox SSRI therapy can reduce intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors in OCD. In social anxiety, it may lessen fear and avoidance, helping daily functioning. Once-daily dosing is common and can support adherence. Generic fluvoxamine is available for those who prefer a lower Luvox cost.

Ordering Luvox online from a Canadian pharmacy can mean meaningful savings. Typical customers report 60–80% lower prices than many US retail options. Multi-month supplies often reduce per-month costs further, and you can turn on reorder reminders in your account to avoid gaps. If you want a brand alternative, you can compare the Luvox price with the generic.

For current offers, see our luvox coupons page.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common effects: nausea, upset stomach, insomnia or sleepiness, headache, dizziness.
• Gastrointestinal changes: diarrhea or constipation, dry mouth, decreased appetite.
• Nervous system: tremor, restlessness, agitation, sweating.
• Sexual effects: decreased libido, delayed ejaculation, anorgasmia.
• Other: fatigue, weakness, weight change.

Serious risks are uncommon but can include serotonin syndrome (especially with MAOIs, linezolid, triptans, or other serotonergic drugs), suicidal thoughts in young people, hyponatremia, seizures, angle-closure glaucoma, bleeding risk (higher with NSAIDs/anticoagulants), and liver enzyme elevations. Fluvoxamine is a potent CYP1A2 inhibitor and can raise levels of theophylline, tizanidine (contraindicated), clozapine, ramelteon (contraindicated), and certain benzodiazepines. Do not combine with MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping an MAOI. Hypoglycemia risk is not typical with SSRIs alone, but caution is needed if combined with drugs that affect blood glucose.

Onset Time

Some people notice early improvements in anxiety, sleep, or irritability within 1–2 weeks. OCD and social anxiety symptoms often take longer, with clearer changes after 3–4 weeks and continued gains through 6–12 weeks as the dose is optimized. Full response can take several months, especially in OCD. Dose adjustments and steady adherence support a sustained effect.

Compare With Alternatives

Other SSRIs can be options if Luvox is not the right fit. Citalopram, sold as Celexa®, is used for depression and sometimes anxiety disorders, though it has different dosing limits and interaction profiles. Sertraline and fluoxetine are also widely used for OCD and anxiety.

Choosing the generic molecule can lower cost with similar efficacy. See Fluvoxamine for the generic name for Luvox and available strengths.

For patients who need a different mechanism, Mirtazapine may help with depression and sleep. It is not an SSRI and tends to have a distinct side-effect profile.

Combination Therapy

• Psychotherapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy (especially ERP for OCD) is often combined with medication for stronger, durable results.
• Benzodiazepines: Short-term use may be considered for acute anxiety. Because fluvoxamine can raise levels of some benzodiazepines (for example, alprazolam/Xanax), lower benzo doses are often chosen.
• Buspar and Luvox: Buspirone may be added for persistent anxiety symptoms. Monitor for serotonergic effects.
• Wellbutrin and Luvox: Bupropion can be used for augmentation in depression. Watch for activation and seizure risk at higher doses.
• Antipsychotic augmentation: Low-dose atypical antipsychotics (for example, risperidone) are sometimes used for refractory OCD.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Luvox is used in adults with OCD or social anxiety disorder, and in children/adolescents with OCD. It may not be suitable in people who use MAOIs, tizanidine, ramelteon, or alosetron. Caution is advised with severe liver disease, seizure disorders, bipolar disorder, bleeding risks, and narrow-angle glaucoma. Pregnancy and breastfeeding require individual risk-benefit discussions.

Drug interactions are important. Luvox and Xanax together may increase sedation and alprazolam levels. Luvox and Wellbutrin may be used in some depression cases but require careful monitoring. Combining Luvox and Prozac, Luvox and Lexapro together, or Luvox and Zoloft together is generally avoided outside of short cross-tapers due to serotonin syndrome risk. Always coordinate any changes and tapers with the prescriber.

To manage Luvox cost, consider the generic fluvoxamine, compare strengths, and ask about multi-month fills. Bulk promotions can lower the per-month price, and you can set reorder reminders so you do not run out. Ordering Luvox online from Canada may reduce overall expenses versus many US pharmacies.

Authoritative Sources

FDA Medication Guide for LUVOX Tablets (fluvoxamine)

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Fluvoxamine Maleate

MedlinePlus: Fluvoxamine patient information

Order Luvox® from YouDrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold-chain handling.

This content is educational and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional about your specific situation.