Fluvoxamine (Luvox) Withdrawal And Detox
Fluvoxamine is the generic name for the drug Luvox, a prescription drug used to treat a wide range of social phobias, disorders, major forms of depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Luvox is classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant. Luvox is often misused due to its impact on neurotransmitters like dopamine, a chemical that works as a reward mechanism in the brain and induces pleasure.
What Are Common Fluvoxamine (Luvox) Withdrawal Symptoms?
Using Luvox regularly changes how one’s mind and body functions. Those taking Luvox must carefully follow the instructions given to them by their healthcare provider; simply missing a daily dose can cause devastating complications with long-term recovery. Since Luvox heavily influences neurotransmitters, it’s easy for those who are actively using it to become physically dependent on it. Clinical studies have shown that antidepressants come with a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and actions.
Some patients stop using Luvox abruptly because they believe they are well enough to do so. This sudden stop results in some minor withdrawal symptoms similar to the flu (e.g., fatigue, unable to concentrate, body aches and pains), as well as irritability, vomiting, nightmares, and tingling/shocking sensations in the skin. Since Luvox has a shorter half-life compared to other antidepressants, around 13.5 hours for younger subjects and 26 for elders, the withdrawal symptoms can be severe. In severe cases, Luvox withdrawal can lead to depersonalization (a state in which a person’s thoughts or feelings seem unreal), insomnia, and worsening depression or panic attacks.
Those diagnosed with depression may begin showing signs of mania, which are high self-esteem, a decreased need for sleep, irritable mood, racing thoughts, and troublesome impulsive behaviors. It’s important to stay in touch with a healthcare provider while taking Luvox, especially when symptoms occur.
Fluvoxamine (Luvox) Withdrawal Timeline And Symptom Durations
It’s hard to determine exactly how long withdrawal symptoms may last when taking Luvox. Factors such as the dosage amount and the length of time Luvox is used can have an effect on withdrawal but varies between individuals. Typically, the withdrawal symptoms begin 1-3 days after substance use ends. The duration varies, but most cases reported Luvox withdrawal lasting between 1-3 weeks. Clinical studies have shown rare cases in which symptoms lasted for months for people who misused Luvox. Reaching out to loved ones can ease the discontinuation process and provide comfort for a person with substance use disorder.
Managing Withdrawal Symptoms Of Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
Withdrawal symptoms for Luvox are not life-threatening; however, some symptoms may lead to unintentional harm or self-inflicted harm. Someone struggling with substance use disorder should always seek medical help before stopping Luvox and should never attempt to endure the process alone. A doctor will advise using the tapering method for long-term recovery. Tapering is when a person struggling with addiction cuts back their dosage in small amounts under medical supervision, helping the brain adjust to the rapid chemical changes. It’s important to keep in touch with a healthcare advisor while tapering; never try to do it without the supervision of a medical professional. Having loved ones around can make the recovery process manageable by offering support and comfort.
Fluvoxamine (Luvox) Medications And Detox
Some healthcare providers might treat the minor symptoms of Luvox as they would the flu, using medications to alleviate symptoms of nausea. Some doctors may also prescribe a sedative to treat insomnia and use an antipsychotic for severe cases of mania and other depersonalization problems. There have been a few occurrences when a healthcare provider would recommend switching to another antidepressant with a longer half-life, which would decrease the severe withdrawal symptoms and have the person with substance use disorder use the tapering method. Rehabilitation programs are an option for people in recovery. The programs offer group and individual therapy and social support to remain substance-free and prevent reoccurrence of use.
How To Choose A Fluvoxamine (Luvox) Center
It’s important to have loved ones assist with finding a center for Luvox treatment because one’s needs and comforts might not be compatible with what the center offers. Someone dealing with substance use disorder should never be afraid to ask for guidance and help. Finding good support groups is possible, and it’s a fun way to engage with others who have faced the same challenges, giving one a feeling of comfort and knowing they are not alone. A good place to start looking is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Helpline. SAMHSA’s helpline is always free, always open and offers help to anyone suffering from substance use disorder. SAMHSA provides information to local support groups, referrals to treatment facilities, and much more.
The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.