Why was Luvox banned in 2002?
The FDA withdrew the drug manufacturer’s approval for various reasons which are not entirely clear or explained well in available medical literature. However, there was a lot of media coverage after the infamous Columbine school shooting, where one of the shooters was reportedly taking Luvox. Such concerns over SSRIs and violent behavior have persisted over many years. It is difficult to find documentation on why Luvox was taken off the market.
Some former employees of Solvay claimed they were encouraged to encourage off-label use of Luvox and other drugs, and sought to sue the company in 2017, but the drug company was absolved of these charges. No other documents could be found at this time. 12
After a number of years, the FDA allowed Luvox to come back on the market re-approving its use for OCD and social anxiety disorder. The manufacturer eventually discontinued production of the brand, but it is still available in its generic form.
Luvox (fluvoxamine) Drug Interactions to Avoid
The drug label lists quite a few drugs and types of drugs to avoid while taking Luvox/fluvoxamine. Some drugs may dilute the effectiveness of other drugs, and others may have the opposite effect. Both scenarios can result in a critical medical emergency and may require medical attention or hospitalization. Aspirin and fluvoxamine can cause increased risk of bleeding internally, and can affect coagulation of the blood. Certain drugs taken with fluvoxamine can induce seizures or heart problems. Be aware of the risks and discuss any concerns about drug-drug interactions and risks with your prescriber.1-3
Where fluvoxamine is taken for many months or years, the likelihood of experiencing long-term effects of fluvoxamine alongside drug-drug interactions can increase. Be aware, be safe.
PLEASE NOTE: Multiple serotonergic agents or medicines should be avoided as they pose health risks including serotonin syndrome and NMS (neuroleptic malignant syndrome) which can be life-threatening.
Examples of drugs that should be avoided while taking fluvoxamine:
- Alcohol
- Other SSRIs or SNRIs
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- MAOIs
- Antipsychotics
- Benzodiazepines
- Any serotonergic medication or herb or substance, i.e., St John’s Wort, tryptophan
- Carbamazepine
- Somatriptan
- Tracrine
- Propranolol
- Warfarin
- Anti-inflammatories
- Amphetamines
- Aspirin
These are not all the potential drugs or substances that may interact with fluvoxamine. Always make sure your prescriber is aware of any other medications or supplements to avoid this risk.
Notes on Luvox/fluvoxamine Withdrawal
Coming off antidepressants for some persons is extremely hard to tolerate. The speed of the withdrawal usually determines how well or poorly the process is tolerated. Go slow.
The reduction in dosage must be gradual, closely monitored, and needs medical oversight in place for safety and to achieve the best outcome for the person.
Fluvoxamine immediate-release medication comes in dosages of 25, 50, or 100 mg. Mathematically speaking, it may mean cutting the pill in halves, or quarters, to get the required reduction. Your prescriber can recommend what would be a tolerable schedule of reduction to start with and can help with prescribing the lowest dosage pills to use to make the math easier.
Abrupt withdrawal should be avoided unless it is needed for medical reasons, such as serotonin syndrome, cardiac issues, or similar emergencies. To avoid the harshest of withdrawal symptoms, gradual reduction is recommended. However, even with slow and gradual withdrawal, a person can experience withdrawal symptoms. SSRI withdrawal syndrome is just as well-researched as the long-term effects of fluvoxamine have been documented; thus, both have been clinically studied over the past 3 decades.7,9,10
Fluvoxamine withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Return of original symptoms of anxiety, depression, panic
- Flu-like symptoms
- Headaches
- Nausea, vomiting
- Sweating
- Lethargy, malaise
- Fatigue
- Achiness
- Insomnia
- Vivid dreams or nightmares
- Imbalance, vertigo, lightheadedness
- Hyperarousal
- Agitation
- Aggression
- Mania
- Psychosis
- Electric shock-like sensations (brain zaps)
- Burning sensation, tingling, itching
It may be confusing for a prescriber to tell the difference between withdrawal symptoms and relapse, as the symptoms seem to overlap. However, there are basic guidelines that have been documented that can help differentiate relapse from withdrawal symptoms. A physician must be well-versed and able to tell the differences so the patient is not unduly forced to continue taking unnecessary medication when it was a possible withdrawal symptom that could have been softened by slowing the process, or slightly upping the dosage before continuing to reduce it, or other strategies to ensure success.11
Healing the Long-Term Effects of fluvoxamine/Luvox
Alternative to Meds Center offers its clients a retreat-like setting in the beautiful Sedona Arizona landscape. The breathtaking surrounds of the majestic Red Rock mountains provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities, plenty of space, fresh air, swimming, hiking, peaceful quiet, sunshine, and exploring the amazing area.
But the real healing power at ATMC comes from the blending of orthomolecular medicine, (to nourish and heal the body’s own neurotransmitter factory), environmental medicine (to cleanse the body down to the cellular level), the judicious use of supplements that can aid the body to transition off medication safely and comfortably, and medical oversight to guide you safely on your journey to natural mental health.
You can find out more about the holistic treatment programs offered at ATMC by exploring the links below.
The drug carries the same black box warning as all other SSRIs for suicidality and unusual changes in behavior.
