Fluvoxamine and Nausea: What Users Say

• ind...
• March 17, 2014

Luvox (fluvoxamine) for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "So far, this is the best medication I've been on for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. I have obsessive thoughts and rumination as my compulsion, and it was totally debilitating before. I was on mirtazapine for a while but felt emotionless and still had a lot of OCD 'crashes'. Switched to Fluvox because mirtazapine made me gain a lot of weight. Finally losing weight now and have a normal appetite again! It obliterates obsessive thoughts and makes me feel really happy, plus, I have all my strong emotions back, feeling more 'me' again. Frustrating side effect in insomnia (most nights I wake up 2-3 times for 30 mins at least and sleep very restlessly) but the headaches and nausea have both passed, so hopefully this will also pass."

• Fin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 23, 2019

Luvox (fluvoxamine) for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I have horrible side effects on Luvox. Some of which I had to willfully snap out of. Side effects for me are: Sweating. Aggression. Impulsiveness. Nausea. Memory issues. Bipolar disorder? Doctors suggested that I could try tapering the dose and as I did, side effects became worse. I missed a dose and went into extreme withdrawal. Side effects gave me a nervous breakdown. I bawled and cried for help. Got confused. Arms tingled bad, hyperventilated. Felt I needed a cool bath to calm down. But forgot to make it cool. Made sure I wore swim trunks in case I had a heart attack and was found. Some scientific studies found that Luvox can cause aggression, impulsiveness, and other side effects. This information appears to be quashed. Some doctors believe the FDA. It may work for you? Find something else if Luvox is not for you. Do not blame yourself for the side effects of drugs or for the mental illness you suffer from. You are not your disease."

• rah...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 14, 2013

Luvox (fluvoxamine) for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I have been attempting to use Luvox for my Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, but I have a weak stomach, so I haven't made it past the 25mg yet until my body adjusts. I could tell that I was getting better though. I stopped it for a week, and my compulsions came back worse than before. I've read some people think they don't have OCD because they don't have compulsions, compulsions are not needed for the diagnosis, just obsessions. I am a social worker, so it has been difficult to help others with their mental illness when I suffer from OCD and ADHD, which I didn't start medication for until recently (I am 28). I am hoping my picking will go away completely once I adjust to the medicine."

• Lem...
• March 30, 2014

Luvox (fluvoxamine) for Anxiety and Stress "I was prescribed Luvox for anxiety and panic attacks. Initially, Luvox just made me tired. After about 2 weeks, it started making me feel depressive. Continued taking it for about 2 months, the depressive symptoms only got worse. I had to discontinue medication because it caused depression for me. Did not help for anxiety or panic at all. When tapering off, I suffered severe nausea and headaches. Didn't work and has bad side effects."

• Obs...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 12, 2020

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I have to credit this medication with saving my life. Over the past 13 years, I’ve been on over 30 different medications. Every SSRI, SNRI, ketamine, even the antipsychotics. When those failed, I had ECT. My OCD was so severe that I was hospitalized twice for suicidal ideation. I was unable to work, unable to finish my degree because I couldn’t stop obsessing. I was miserable. Now I’ve been on Luvox for 2 years. I’ve gotten married. I have a job and a house. Things that I never thought I would be able to have. Yes, life is still a daily challenge, but it’s not unbearable. Luvox is the only drug that has calmed my OCD. 150 mg. The only side effects are nausea and complete loss of libido. Small prices to pay for sanity."

• Anonymous
• February 11, 2011

Luvox (fluvoxamine) for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "This medicine has been extremely effective for me. After the 1st dose, I could feel a difference. It has also helped with anxiety and depression. There are a few side effects such as night sweats, nausea, and vivid dreams. Hopefully, they will decrease with time, this is only my 3rd week on it."

• Anx...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 3, 2018

Luvox (fluvoxamine) for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "This was a fantastic drug for my OCD. Been taking it for over a year. I had tried SSRIs (Lexapro, Cymbalta), and they weren’t very effective. I worked my way up to 200 mg of Luvox at one point (very high - had bad side effects) and slowly tapered it down to 100 mg, and I still get just as good results. The only thing I have to complain about this med is the side effects - they’re quite intense! I had bad insomnia the first 2-3 weeks, the nausea persisted the entire time I’ve been on it, appetite and libido diminish completely. However, my obsessive thoughts are far less irritating and intrusive. If they appear, they don’t bother me nearly as much, and I can function so much better. This was a godsend for an uptight, OCD person like myself, though I wish there were fewer side effects."

• A V...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 8, 2020

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "While outwardly successful and happy, for 30 years I'd only known life as focusing on my deficiencies and wanton risk-taking with a white-hot rage against myself. On starting fluvoxamine, I had 1 week of nausea - and then the climb to awesomeness began... I can't imagine life without them now! I have *complete* control over my thoughts. I've always loathed the control my emotions had over me - I can now turn them on and off at will. On, when I should be compassionate or loving, off at all other times. I keep my head - always. Awkward social encounters make me think: 'curious...' for a moment, then I can choose to discount the thought and move on. Despite the usual marital stresses of money, sex, etc.: I can shrug and accept events as they unfold. I can choose to discuss points with *zero* emotive content. I use my ability to regulate my emotions as the guide to my dose. I started at 100mg, spent 6 months at 200mg, and I've been at 150 for the past 2 years."

• Dog...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 26, 2020

Luvox (fluvoxamine) for Anxiety and Stress "On this for depression and anxiety. The first couple of days on Luvox made me feel very flat, almost more depressed, but without the crying. On the fourth day, it made me feel so physically sick: diarrhea, nausea, weak, shaky, labored breathing, faint. I felt like I had been poisoned, stopped right away. After doing a bit of research, studies show it has a 40 percent chance of giving you gastrointestinal side effects. Very angry at the psychiatrist for prescribing me this after telling him my anxiety manifests in a tight, shivering ball in my stomach."

• anx...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 14, 2019

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I have been on fluvoxamine for OCD for about 2 years now, and I can honestly say that it has given me peace that I would not have known without it. My life changed dramatically, I could now get on with my life and not be bogged down with constant obsessive thoughts that ruined my days (weeks/months, if being honest!). I came off of it one time due to the strong side effects (such as nausea and decreased libido), but my anxiety went absolutely haywire, and I will NOT be doing that again. No other medication has helped with my OCD quite like Luvox. It is more potent and OCD-specific in my opinion than other SSRIs, and this is why I love it."

• Tin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 17, 2020

For Depression "They say fluvoxamine is quite a sedating SSRI, and I would concur. Even though it was co-prescribed with Wellbutrin for depression, I was falling asleep in the afternoons while on this. The break-in wasn't nice either - very dry mouth and a lot of nausea. It lifted my severe suicidal depression, but didn't improve my optimism or motivation. I just felt nothing. I didn't care about anything at all and basically stopped trying. Generally don't recommend and prefer Prozac, which is more stimulating."

• Ren...
• August 16, 2015

Luvox (fluvoxamine) for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I immediately noticed my anxiety went down, but I had to stop taking the medication because I would sleep up to 16 hours a day, which was not practical as a law student. I also experienced severe nausea and headaches. I felt extremely frustrated that I was prescribed this medication by my doctor."

• Jun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 20, 2019

For Depression "I have been suffering from major depressive disorder and other mental health problems for about 7 years. I was constantly self-harming, getting admitted to mental health units, had to see a therapist twice a week. I have been through all other SSRIs, my doctor introduced fluvoxamine to me and said it was primarily used for OCD, which I am not diagnosed with, but I do struggle with overwhelming intrusive thoughts. After being on it for about a month, I finally started feeling better. I was able to make it a full year without cutting myself. I attended classes full-time after missing two years because of depression. This medication has put me in a space where therapy actually helps, and I can listen to and practice what my team wants me to try. I haven’t been to the hospital in months and am looking forward to the future. The downside is it makes me extremely tired and makes me nauseous, but it’s worth it."

• Mic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 24, 2015

Luvox (fluvoxamine) for Anxiety and Stress "After being diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis (2012), I began experiencing anxiety and depression, accepting this life change and handling the symptoms. My doctor prescribed me Lexapro 20 mg daily, which helped with mild anxiety and overall day-to-day stress. However, I still experienced heavy anxiety while traveling and taking on new projects/assignments at work. I explained that I felt that the Lexapro was great but not working in all situations. My doctor then switched me to Luvox 200 mg daily. I've been taking Luvox for less than a week now and am already experiencing dry mouth, lack of motivation, diarrhea, nausea, lightheadedness/faint, and being more emotional and irritable. Obviously not for me. Life overall was better with Lexapro."

• whi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 15, 2014

Luvox (fluvoxamine) for Anxiety and Stress "Started taking Luvox after I told my doctor that Effexor, which is very effective and a lifesaver for me, was a bit of a libido killer. Said to try Luvox. I had a bad reaction even after tapering off Effexor properly. I had very bad headaches, which codeine couldn't shift, and diarrhea, also stomach cramps and bad nausea. Not for me obviously, so I am starting back on the Effexor, which keeps me sane."

• Mik...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 9, 2021

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I suffer from OCD and bipolar disorder. I started off taking Anafranil when I was 18 years old. I ended up in professional school and was having a hard time remembering material. Also very depressed and anxious. My doctor switched me to Luvox when I was 24 years old (between semesters). It was hard getting on to it, nausea and constipation. Plus, I couldn't sleep as well. Otherwise, though, it made my depression almost disappear and I burned through my academic material so much faster and more efficiently than on Anafranil. For me, a huge improvement over Anafranil. Much has happened since I started Luvox, such as a manic attack and diagnosis with BPD, divorce after 12 weeks, etc. I will never have the normal life I would have if I had no mental illness. But I am still on Luvox after 24 years. Fluvoxamine/Luvox has made my life a lot easier and closer to normal."

• Anonymous
• June 23, 2010

Luvox (fluvoxamine) for Anxiety and Stress "I was prescribed Luvox for social anxiety. I was told to take it at night before bed. After the first night of taking it, I woke up feeling pretty sedated and feeling weird. I also had nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea."

• Ste...
• July 30, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "Started on 50 mg for a week and didn't feel anything except loss of appetite and anxiety. Doctor said that was not a therapeutic dose and upped my dosage to 100 mg. Four days into the 100 mg dose and I am a wreck. I had bad panic attacks, extreme nausea, and the shakes. I did throw up as well. While I suffer from thought compulsions, I also deal with generalized anxiety disorder. This did not help at all and made me worse. Now I am back to 50 mg and working my way off... horrible experience and feel sick. If you are looking for an anxiety med, DO NOT use this!"

• ACK...
• January 6, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "I've been taking 50 mg of fluvoxamine for 8 days. It works amazingly for getting the horrible thoughts I experience daily to leave my mind - I can just turn it off and feel normal and calm. If it didn't have so many negative side effects, it would be the perfect medication for me. I've been experiencing headaches, nausea, lack of motivation, trouble getting up in the morning, lack of concentration, it's completely killed my sex drive, and it makes me feel almost wired at bedtime, before I crash into a drug-induced sleep. It also makes me feel constantly hungry, even after a large meal. If I were to keep taking this, I think I'd become obese. I rated it a 3 because it worked for what I needed it for. Disappointed it wasn't for me."

• ocd...
• July 12, 2017

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I was given Luvox a few months ago after unsuccessful attempts with Prozac, Paxil, and Lexapro. I had heard so many promising things about Luvox, and it seemed to be the miracle drug for many people with OCD. For me, however, it was an absolute nightmare. Possibly the worst drug I've been on. I was on a low dosage, can't remember what, but even then the side effects were unbearable. I threw up every morning for two months straight taking this stuff. The day I stopped taking it, this ended. I also had sleep problems with this medication and have never had sleeping issues in my life. I have since switched to Clomipramine, and it is working WONDERS compared to Luvox. That just goes to show everyone responds totally different to drugs."

• frc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 13, 2018

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I’ve been on fluvoxamine for about a month now, and it’s the third time I’m trying the treatment. I’m taking 200 mg daily. I started with 50 mg, then added an extra 50 every week. It has definitely helped with my OCD, mood swings, and nervous tics - I really am much better. But again, the side effects are making me reconsider. First week, I felt nauseous all the time and had diarrhea and stomach cramps, second week, there was the insomnia and sexual dysfunction, third and fourth weeks, still insomniac but now coupled with generalized tiredness and night sweats. No matter how much I sleep now, I always feel ready to nap, and it has seriously messed with my productivity both at uni and work. I don’t know what I’ll do next because I really am better, but I’m not sure it’s worth the side effects."

• Hos...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 19, 2020

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "Prescribed fluvoxamine in a mental hospital for OCD with Abilify. It was very difficult to tolerate. Had lots of panic attacks, especially before sleep. Still have to take Valium and Ambien to help me sleep and function during the day. Depression is improved, but still waiting on the OCD part. Too early to tell, therefore, I will write another review in 8 weeks. Other symptoms include nausea, palpitations, tiredness, and anxiety."

• luc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 25, 2016

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "It's been helping me a lot for my awful pure OCD, intrusive thoughts. I'd rate it a 6 out of 10. However, I've just recently increased the dose from 150 mg to 200 mg, so I might feel even better. Bad side effects: low libido, nausea, and drowsiness. Hope they will eventually subside as I'm taking it for less than two months (nausea is already subsiding)."

• Jia...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 27, 2019

For Anorexia/Feeding Problems "Started 50 mg for restrictive ED, occasional binges, anxiety, obsessions. I had mild nausea and sweating and didn't gain weight. A little less obsessive/anxious. Then went to 100. Headache day one only. Was on it a month and gained a few lbs not because of increased appetite/meds, but I was following my meal plan. Inability to orgasm. Went to 200 mg since a lot of crying/somatic symptoms. Depression got worse as did restlessness. I got scared and thought this med may be decreasing symptoms and making others worse, so upped to 300. Depression/restlessness almost immediately relieved. Somatic symptoms decreased. On ER, had nausea at each release, but it's faded. I believe it's causing constipation and nighttime sweating, but that's nothing considering the improvement to quality of life. I've gained what has been appropriate for ED recovery from conscious increased intake. I can still cry with big stressors and feel emotion, but the small stuff or for no reason sadness/anxiety and obsessions are gone."

• xia...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 21, 2021

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "I had emetophobia and PTSD, took Lexapro at first but felt extremely nauseous, which triggered my phobia. Then switched to fluvoxamine, only sleepiness and dizziness the first two weeks, and slight nausea, which was totally bearable. It worked after a month on 50 mg (combined with 15 mg mirtazapine), the somatization faded, and I felt much calmer when facing triggers or traumatic memories."