How Long Does Fluvoxamine (Luvox) Stay In Your System?

The half-life of fluvoxamine is very short compared to other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Because of the short half-life, it takes anywhere from 36 to 60 hours before Luvox is completely out of your system, which is the fastest amongst SSRIs. While this is a quick turnaround, Luvox usually yields some harsh withdrawals, depending on dosage amount and how long you have been actively using the drug. These symptoms, though severe, are manageable with the right kind of recovery program.

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Fluvoxamine (Luvox) Prescription Facts

  • Fluvoxamine is typically used in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but it is also used to fight depression, anxiety and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
  • Luvox has a history of being linked with violent behavior and is 8.4 times more likely to be associated with violence than other prescription drugs.
  • Around 60 percent of Americans are prescribed antidepressants (SSRIs) for a period of at least two years.
  • Luvox causes a number of side effects, including dizziness, nausea, pain and sexual problems.
  • SSRIs have been known to increase suicidal thoughts in patients, especially those under the age of 24.
  • Luvox heightens the effects of alcohol, further impairing judgment, motor function and cognitive abilities.

Fluvoxamine (Luvox) Regulations

Luvox and other SSRIs revolutionized the medical field in the 1980s. Modern research, however, has shown that these drugs cause adverse side effects, especially in young children. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has heavily regulated the use of SSRIs over the years. The only SSRI that is approved for use in children under 12 years old is Prozac. The FDA approved Luvox in 2008 but only as a means of treating OCD in children. Despite the recommendations, the drug is still used to treat other mental ailments, like depression in an off-label environment.

Most Commonly Abused Drugs Containing Fluvoxamine (Luvox)

Fluvoxamine falls into the same category as other SSRI drugs, including fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil), all of which use different active ingredients. These drugs are not addictive in the traditional sense, like alcohol or heroin, but people can still develop a dependency on them. Further, people who misuse Luvox are more likely to misuse other drugs, making it important to become substance-free as quickly as possible.

How Fluvoxamine (Luvox) Affects The Brain And Body

Fluvoxamine works by preventing nerve cells from reabsorbing serotonin. This aids in restoring serotonin levels in the body and balancing chemicals in the brain. With the majority of serotonin being produced in the gastrointestinal tract, the chemical helps in digestion and appetite regulation. Many scientists have also linked serotonin levels with mood regulation, which is one theory why SSRIs are good at combating depression. Although these drugs are effective, they come with a high penalty when patients stop taking them. Luvox, for instance, has been known to create withdrawal symptoms that last several weeks in duration.

Luvox Withdrawal Symptoms

  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Agitation
  • Confusion
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Insomnia
  • Weight changes

Half-Life Of Fluvoxamine (Luvox)

Luvox has the shortest half-life of all SSRIs on the market. The half-life of Luvox is only 12 to 13 hours, which places it right above Paxil. This means that getting the drug out of your system is a fast process, but it also leads to worse withdrawals. Fortunately, these withdrawals are not life-threatening and can be managed with care and attention.

How Long Does Fluvoxamine (Luvox) Stay In Your Urine, Hair and Blood?

Fluvoxamine does not stay in the body for long, which means there is a short window in which it will show up in urine and blood tests. On average, you can expect Luvox to be completely out of your system within 5 to 7 days. How quickly the drug leaves your system depends on several factors, but 99 percent of Luvox will be gone within this time frame. As far as hair tests are concerned, the drug can typically be detected in hair for much longer time frames, sometimes up to 90 days after the last dose.

Medical Disclaimer: The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a 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 provider.

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