Social Anxiety Support

SAS · 02-26-2010, 12:52 PM

Luvox is one of several medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are generally psychiatrists’ first choice prescription drugs for Social Anxiety Disorder. They function by regulating the levels of the mood-controlling serotonin in the brain. Luxov is one of only three SSRIs to receive FDA approval for use specifically with SAD.

SSRIs are commonly used to treat a wide range of disorders, including depression and generalized anxiety, and have recently become more popular in the treatment of SAD. Many SAD patients report positive results and relief from their social anxiety symptoms, while others find these medications to be of little help. Side effects are quite common with SSRIs, with the medications affecting sexual function and appetite in many patients. Patients should also be watchful for headaches, nausea, suicidal thoughts and other side effects.

More info:

User ratings/reviews:

SAS · 03-01-2010, 10:52 AM

(Copied over from old review system)

Posted by stealyourface722

Treatment Experience
gave me a major toothache that got relaly really annoying so I quit. It was great for social anxiety though. A great medicine

SAS · 03-01-2010, 10:53 AM

(Copied over from old review system)

Posted by BLK13

Social Anxiety Background
Mild/Med. SAD

Other Treatments
This was my first....I was given 100mg of Luvox CR daily and Klonopin to help with sleep. At day eight I was supposed to go upto 150mg but never made it that far.

Treatment Experience
Took it for six days and I was a vegitable, I couldn't do much but stare at the wall. Stopped after day six and went through 2-3 days of hell (Withdrawal) couldn't eat, drink, or keep my eyes open.

Frustratedbyanxiety · 09-08-2010, 11:15 AM

Been taking Luvox for almost 1 year, it has its good and bad, dont sleep much then feel tired during the day, helps control my panic and anxiety but doesnt eliminate it completely, dr. increased my dosage to 150 my secret to avoid significant side effects, increase meds quarter of a pill at a time, same for decreasing. Wish the anxiety would disappear completely.

CourtneyB · 09-08-2010, 02:19 PM

Luvox did nothing significant for me. Maybe a slight decrease in my depression and anxiety? Thats about it. I have both Luvox CR and 150 mg of regular Luvox.... weaning off of it was like semi-detoxing for me - had headaches from the lack of sleep because i had trouble sleeping while going off it and was extremely irritable. Now i'm on Lexapro so we'll see how that goes....

Typical Guy · 09-08-2010, 07:52 PM

I've been taking Luvox on and off for years. Currently I'm on 300mg of Luvox CR. It gives a slight antidepressant effect but does not produce the side effects other SSRIs give me.

What Luvox really helps me with is rumination and obsessive thought. As far as I know, it's one of the few medications approved for OCD and it really helps in this regard.

Glacial · 12-11-2010, 04:59 AM

I believe this medication would have actually been effective to some degree (had quite a mind-numbing effect) had I stayed on it long-term (6 + months). Within the first week of taking Luvox, I became extremely fatigued and basically lost all of my sex drive--which these two side effects can really effect ones quality of life greatly, perhaps deeming the med not worth it to some. In addition, it made me extremely restless and caused difficulty with attention.

Raptors · 06-07-2011, 02:53 AM

This med is FANTASTIC for me.

Since it was discontiuned in like 2001, my doctor scripted me generics...50mg a day.

Obliterates my irrational thoughts and makes me feel great as well!

No sexual side effects (unlike every other SSRI for me), just some sleep difficulties but not significant.

Give it a shot!

Raptors · 06-07-2011, 02:54 AM

BTW, probably the least known SSRI but the most effective for me (tried every one)

I was skeptic at first but I took the plunge and it paid off!

mojow · 06-13-2011, 02:20 AM

I just started this after being on Citalopram/Celexa for a few months.

So far my anxiety has increased and my voice trembles when i speak, I have never had this before. wtf!!!

SpacedOut3 · 07-13-2011, 03:44 PM

I have been taking Luvox for about a week now. It hasn't really helped with anything, and the only side effects are that sex lasts normal amount of time again (which is great) and that I'm tired all the time. I'm usually a clean and organized person, but not overly so. I cannot get off the couch once I get home and chores are piling up due to lack of motivation. It's caused a small amount of brain fog but not too bad. I wanna go ahead and stop taking bc of how tired it makes me. Will the fatigue go away? Anybody stuck with it long enough to find out?

wynnjos · 09-07-2011, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raptors

BTW, probably the least known SSRI but the most effective for me (tried every one)

I was skeptic at first but I took the plunge and it paid off!

Hey Raptors,

You also put a great review on the Prozac/Fluoxetine forum. Does Luvox work better for you. I just started taking fluoxetine 40 mg. I was taking Pristiq 50mg which made me emotional dull.

SpacedOut3 · 09-10-2011, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpacedOut3

I have been taking Luvox for about a week now. It hasn't really helped with anything, and the only side effects are that sex lasts normal amount of time again (which is great) and that I'm tired all the time. I'm usually a clean and organized person, but not overly so. I cannot get off the couch once I get home and chores are piling up due to lack of motivation. It's caused a small amount of brain fog but not too bad. I wanna go ahead and stop taking bc of how tired it makes me. Will the fatigue go away? Anybody stuck with it long enough to find out?

Just to update...I kept on for a few more weeks because the doc said it takes a while to become fully effective. Nothing changed. I was given Nuvigil for energy which helped, but anxiety never went away. Now I'm on some new drug called Viibryd. We'll see how it goes. I'll update as time goes on.

PetePain · 09-12-2011, 04:26 AM

I have tried Fluvoxamine in the past but had to stop using it due to its side effects.

I developped a strong tremor in my hands that always occured when I had to perform delicate manual work. This side effect didn't fade with time, the desired antidepressant and anxiolytic effect, however, did.

Raptors · 09-22-2011, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wynnjos

Hey Raptors,

You also put a great review on the Prozac/Fluoxetine forum. Does Luvox work better for you. I just started taking fluoxetine 40 mg. I was taking Pristiq 50mg which made me emotional dull.

Yes it does. Prozac was too activating. However, I have noticed the same old SSRI sexual side effects creep in

baranok · 11-23-2011, 02:57 PM

this med is kind of interesting

first 3 weeks were HELL, i just chainsmoked whole day, couldnt sleep eat go out nothing
when i went out i felt already humiliated by nothing

after time when it started working it made me hypomanic,lazy,don't caring lets say at least, felt OK but definitely not IT
but i must say this SSRI have least sexual side effects

i was taking 100mg whole time

however quiting this drug gave me brain zaps ( I thought was matter only of SNRI )

helena AU · 08-19-2012, 10:57 PM

This is the first drug I was prescibed when I was 15. It worked really well for SAD and depression at the time. I remember the side effects being; excitable, insomnia, was happy to interact with others, depression disapeared, concerntrated like a laser beam. Then it pooped out. They then put me on zoloft- which didn't work. I found after luvox stopped working, I was immune to all other SSRI's, which is why I was put on nardil. Poops out every three months now (however I've been on it for almost 10 years) . I come off it for about 2 months, then it works again. Pain in the arse.

VanillaVellum · 03-06-2013, 07:42 PM

I've been taking Movox/Luvox for nearly 18 months. Back four years ago my doctor prescribed me Pristiq for conditional depression and I was on and off that four times in 18 months. I went really well for the year between that an going back to my doctor because something wasn't right. I have two regular trusted doctor's within the same clinic who are on the same page about my health, and my female doctor started me on the Luv/Mov 50mg dose, having reassessed my symptoms as severe anxiety and mild OCD, not the depression as originally thought. I stayed on the 50mg dose for nearly nine months, then went up to the 100s for about five months, and am now on the 150s.

All in all I've been amazingly happy on this medication. The overthinking and anxiety is greatly reduced. I had a really bad problem with insomnia up until I started the 150s, splitting it at 100 in the morning and 50 at night as well as taking magnesium at night with the Luvox and it's done wonders for my sleep. Even with waking up sometimes in the middle of the night, I'm asily getting six or more hours, most of the time I get eight, which has been amazing.

Massive headaches when I miss my dose for two or more days in a row, nausea(mild), extreme irritability and huge loss of sleep. I don't see having a problem coming down off them gradually, but I never miss a dose since the one and only time I did it. I was in agony and painkillers did NOTHING!

The only thing I am really finding is a problem is my massive lack of motivation to do anything. I'll shower, I'll get dressed, I'll get the kids organised for school, but when I'm not actively busy doing something, I'm more than happy to spend the day in bed. I'm also noticing my complete disregard for the housework. I will see something on the floor that would take a split second to take care of but I'll walk right past it. Has anyone else noticed that? Has anyone noticed or found anything that helps?

0osweet · 03-12-2013, 12:32 PM

It stabilized my mood a bit, but overall didn't work much for me. I got very itchy skin, no appetite and I slept bad. I still took it more than a year though.. Oh well

02-26-2010, 12:52 PM	#1 (permalink)
SAS Status: Community and Website Administrator Join Date: May 2012 Location: Everywhere Gender: Male Posts: 867	Luvox (fluvoxamine) [SSRI] Luvox is one of several medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are generally psychiatrists’ first choice prescription drugs for Social Anxiety Disorder. They function by regulating the levels of the mood-controlling serotonin in the brain. Luxov is one of only three SSRIs to receive FDA approval for use specifically with SAD. SSRIs are commonly used to treat a wide range of disorders, including depression and generalized anxiety, and have recently become more popular in the treatment of SAD. Many SAD patients report positive results and relief from their social anxiety symptoms, while others find these medications to be of little help. Side effects are quite common with SSRIs, with the medications affecting sexual function and appetite in many patients. Patients should also be watchful for headaches, nausea, suicidal thoughts and other side effects. More info: Drugs.com Wikipedia User ratings/reviews: AskAPatient.com Drugs.com DailyStrength.org WebMD RXList.com Revolution Health

03-01-2010, 10:52 AM	#2 (permalink)
SAS Status: Community and Website Administrator Join Date: May 2012 Location: Everywhere Gender: Male Posts: 867	great but... (Copied over from old review system) Posted by stealyourface722 Treatment Experience gave me a major toothache that got relaly really annoying so I quit. It was great for social anxiety though. A great medicine

03-01-2010, 10:53 AM	#3 (permalink)
SAS Status: Community and Website Administrator Join Date: May 2012 Location: Everywhere Gender: Male Posts: 867	Awful (Luvox CR) (Copied over from old review system) Posted by BLK13 Social Anxiety Background Mild/Med. SAD Other Treatments This was my first....I was given 100mg of Luvox CR daily and Klonopin to help with sleep. At day eight I was supposed to go upto 150mg but never made it that far. Treatment Experience Took it for six days and I was a vegitable, I couldn't do much but stare at the wall. Stopped after day six and went through 2-3 days of hell (Withdrawal) couldn't eat, drink, or keep my eyes open.

09-08-2010, 11:15 AM	#4 (permalink)
Frustratedbyanxiety Status: SAS Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Gender: Female Posts: 4	Taking Luvox Been taking Luvox for almost 1 year, it has its good and bad, dont sleep much then feel tired during the day, helps control my panic and anxiety but doesnt eliminate it completely, dr. increased my dosage to 150 my secret to avoid significant side effects, increase meds quarter of a pill at a time, same for decreasing. Wish the anxiety would disappear completely.

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09-08-2010, 02:19 PM	#5 (permalink)
CourtneyB Status: Dancing on my own Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Maryland Gender: Female Age: 23 Posts: 1,636	Luvox did nothing significant for me. Maybe a slight decrease in my depression and anxiety? Thats about it. I have both Luvox CR and 150 mg of regular Luvox.... weaning off of it was like semi-detoxing for me - had headaches from the lack of sleep because i had trouble sleeping while going off it and was extremely irritable. Now i'm on Lexapro so we'll see how that goes....

09-08-2010, 07:52 PM	#6 (permalink)
Typical Guy Status: User Requested Permanent Ban Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: US Gender: Male Posts: 448	I've been taking Luvox on and off for years. Currently I'm on 300mg of Luvox CR. It gives a slight antidepressant effect but does not produce the side effects other SSRIs give me. What Luvox really helps me with is rumination and obsessive thought. As far as I know, it's one of the few medications approved for OCD and it really helps in this regard.

12-11-2010, 04:59 AM	#7 (permalink)
Glacial Status: SAS Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Maryland, USA Gender: Male Age: 26 Posts: 2,493	I believe this medication would have actually been effective to some degree (had quite a mind-numbing effect) had I stayed on it long-term (6 + months). Within the first week of taking Luvox, I became extremely fatigued and basically lost all of my sex drive--which these two side effects can really effect ones quality of life greatly, perhaps deeming the med not worth it to some. In addition, it made me extremely restless and caused difficulty with attention.

06-07-2011, 02:53 AM	#8 (permalink)
Raptors Status: Soarin! Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: GTA, Ontario, Can Gender: Male Age: 21 Posts: 449	This med is FANTASTIC for me. Since it was discontiuned in like 2001, my doctor scripted me generics...50mg a day. Obliterates my irrational thoughts and makes me feel great as well! No sexual side effects (unlike every other SSRI for me), just some sleep difficulties but not significant. Give it a shot!

06-07-2011, 02:54 AM	#9 (permalink)
Raptors Status: Soarin! Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: GTA, Ontario, Can Gender: Male Age: 21 Posts: 449	BTW, probably the least known SSRI but the most effective for me (tried every one) I was skeptic at first but I took the plunge and it paid off!

06-13-2011, 02:20 AM	#10 (permalink)
mojow Status: SAS Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: UK Gender: Male Posts: 43	I just started this after being on Citalopram/Celexa for a few months. So far my anxiety has increased and my voice trembles when i speak, I have never had this before. wtf!!!

07-13-2011, 03:44 PM	#11 (permalink)
SpacedOut3 Status: SAS Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 10	I have been taking Luvox for about a week now. It hasn't really helped with anything, and the only side effects are that sex lasts normal amount of time again (which is great) and that I'm tired all the time. I'm usually a clean and organized person, but not overly so. I cannot get off the couch once I get home and chores are piling up due to lack of motivation. It's caused a small amount of brain fog but not too bad. I wanna go ahead and stop taking bc of how tired it makes me. Will the fatigue go away? Anybody stuck with it long enough to find out?

09-12-2011, 04:26 AM	#14 (permalink)
PetePain Status: SAS Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 37	I have tried Fluvoxamine in the past but had to stop using it due to its side effects. I developped a strong tremor in my hands that always occured when I had to perform delicate manual work. This side effect didn't fade with time, the desired antidepressant and anxiolytic effect, however, did.

11-23-2011, 02:57 PM	#16 (permalink)
baranok Status: SAS Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Europe Gender: Male Posts: 260	this med is kind of interesting first 3 weeks were HELL, i just chainsmoked whole day, couldnt sleep eat go out nothing when i went out i felt already humiliated by nothing after time when it started working it made me hypomanic,lazy,don't caring lets say at least, felt OK but definitely not IT but i must say this SSRI have least sexual side effects i was taking 100mg whole time however quiting this drug gave me brain zaps ( I thought was matter only of SNRI )

08-19-2012, 10:57 PM	#17 (permalink)
helena AU Status: SAS Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Australia Gender: Female Posts: 58	This is the first drug I was prescibed when I was 15. It worked really well for SAD and depression at the time. I remember the side effects being; excitable, insomnia, was happy to interact with others, depression disapeared, concerntrated like a laser beam. Then it pooped out. They then put me on zoloft- which didn't work. I found after luvox stopped working, I was immune to all other SSRI's, which is why I was put on nardil. Poops out every three months now (however I've been on it for almost 10 years) . I come off it for about 2 months, then it works again. Pain in the arse.

03-06-2013, 07:42 PM	#18 (permalink)
VanillaVellum Status: SAS Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 1	I've been taking Movox/Luvox for nearly 18 months. Back four years ago my doctor prescribed me Pristiq for conditional depression and I was on and off that four times in 18 months. I went really well for the year between that an going back to my doctor because something wasn't right. I have two regular trusted doctor's within the same clinic who are on the same page about my health, and my female doctor started me on the Luv/Mov 50mg dose, having reassessed my symptoms as severe anxiety and mild OCD, not the depression as originally thought. I stayed on the 50mg dose for nearly nine months, then went up to the 100s for about five months, and am now on the 150s. All in all I've been amazingly happy on this medication. The overthinking and anxiety is greatly reduced. I had a really bad problem with insomnia up until I started the 150s, splitting it at 100 in the morning and 50 at night as well as taking magnesium at night with the Luvox and it's done wonders for my sleep. Even with waking up sometimes in the middle of the night, I'm asily getting six or more hours, most of the time I get eight, which has been amazing. Massive headaches when I miss my dose for two or more days in a row, nausea(mild), extreme irritability and huge loss of sleep. I don't see having a problem coming down off them gradually, but I never miss a dose since the one and only time I did it. I was in agony and painkillers did NOTHING! The only thing I am really finding is a problem is my massive lack of motivation to do anything. I'll shower, I'll get dressed, I'll get the kids organised for school, but when I'm not actively busy doing something, I'm more than happy to spend the day in bed. I'm also noticing my complete disregard for the housework. I will see something on the floor that would take a split second to take care of but I'll walk right past it. Has anyone else noticed that? Has anyone noticed or found anything that helps?

03-12-2013, 12:32 PM	#19 (permalink)
0osweet Status: SAS Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 28	It stabilized my mood a bit, but overall didn't work much for me. I got very itchy skin, no appetite and I slept bad. I still took it more than a year though.. Oh well