Fluvoxamine and Tiredness: What Users Say

• anx...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 14, 2018

Fluvoxamine for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "It's a miracle, is what it is. This med allows me to function. Tried so many things, and this is the only med to help with OCD. Took away a bunch of compulsions and anxiety associated with them. I find it easier to push away thoughts. Side effects - night sweats, sexual dysfunction, tiredness. Doesn't work on depression, it seems though it's an SSRI. Still, with these side effects, it's a miracle drug. Saved me. Been on 300mg for years. I should say going on it is hell, constant anxiety and panic, and then one day it just drops, and you feel better. It gets worse before it gets better. If you take this and feel terribly anxious, it's working. Push through."

• MPa...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 17, 2021

Fluvoxamine for Anxiety and Stress "I have been on Luvox for 21 years at varying levels. Yes, it has its issues getting on and off it, but I can't imagine life without it. To the people who have issues getting on it because of gastrointestinal issues, you have to go on it slowly. Yes, it makes you tired for 4 to 6 weeks, but when I went on this the 1st time, I was in a bad way and almost immediately I saw little improvements. Slowly over the 6 weeks, the doctor raised my levels and life returned to normal. After one year, I weaned myself off the medication only to go back on at a lower dose. I never come off it, but I now know from the way I feel when to up and down the level and have played with how much I take for 21 years. Never come off cold turkey and always raise the amount slowly. Hope this helps."

• OCD...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 20, 2019

Fluvoxamine for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "Loved this drug Luvox for my OCD. Bathed my brain in Serotonin. And while that was a good solution, it also posed a problem. It took anxiety/OCD away better than most SSRIs I have tried. However, it made me incredibly tired. You could literally sleep for 22 hours out of the day if you could afford to do so. But, my experience will not be yours, so don't rule it out as a possible treatment for your OCD."

• Anonymous
• July 20, 2020

Fluvoxamine for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "29-year-old female with Harm OCD. I started taking Celexa when I was 16 years old for around six years and then switched to Lexapro. Celexa and Lexapro both worked for me, with Lexapro being the champion of the two. Eventually, the Lexapro did not work anymore. I experienced panic attacks, aggressive violent thoughts, and high anxiety. I recently switched to Luvox, but not without initial hesitation. I tried many different medications that led up to Lexapro, with many that didn't work. I am glad that I gave Luvox a try! It was slow weaning down from 20 mg of Lexapro while increasing up to 100 mg Luvox. Now the obsessive and compulsive thoughts are more fleeting and less sticky, they do not bother me as much anymore. I do not have the anxiety that I once had. One drawback that I experience after taking Luvox for a couple of months is tiredness. I am very tired throughout the day, sleep more than usual, and take plenty of naps. Overall, this medication works for me, and I hope that it will for you too."

• SVe...
• February 27, 2017

Fluvoxamine for Anxiety and Stress "I have been on Luvox for many years. It has normalized my emotions and anxiety levels. I have gone off it once or twice, but depression and anxiety have once again flared to the unbearable. I sometimes feel tired, but I also have fibromyalgia, so that could be causing it. I often have a dry mouth and experience low libido, but nothing as bad as the hopelessness I felt when not on it. Luvox has improved the quality of my life."

• lis...
• July 3, 2013

Fluvoxamine for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I was prescribed Luvox for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder even though I don't think I have OCD. I think I have anxiety and panic disorder/depression. I have excessive worrying, panic attacks, sleeping problems, ruminations but no compulsions I can think of. However, my psychiatrist says I have OCD and put me on Luvox. Immediately, my sleep improved and my excessive worrying has been reduced by about 50%. I am so much more relaxed. However, I don't seem to really care about anything and it's hard to get out of bed and do much even on a low dose (25mg). I feel like I am in slow motion and I'm always tired. My body also feels like I have weights attached to it. I see a new psychiatrist in two weeks."

• Lem...
• March 30, 2014

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."

• O B...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 26, 2016

Fluvoxamine for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "To be clear, I am on Luvox for its entire spectrum of effects-OCD, anxiety and stress, and major depressive disorder. I have been on almost every single drug on the market, and Luvox is consistently the only one that has ever worked. The Luvox/Latuda (atypical antipsychotic) combination worked wonders for me in the past, and though I am only on Luvox now, it has definitely helped with curbing recurrent, insistent thoughts of hopelessness and despair. It has blunted my anxiety, and after years of depression, I am starting to feel a little better. Just tired as all get out, though!"

• Cam...
• December 11, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "I started taking this about 7 weeks ago, and it’s really, really been helping me. I used to have to step on my shoes before putting them on, check everything a million times before closing at work, and feel anxious literally every time I left the house or did anything even mildly stressful. But now it’s like I can actually feel anxious without it overtaking my entire life. I still feel anxious, but it’s something I can handle now, it’s no longer this overwhelming thing to be terrified of. The scary thoughts pop into my head, and then they just go. I no longer obsess over distressing feelings, I’m able to let negative feelings come and go. I also haven’t experienced dissociation since I started taking this, which is nice. The only downside is I’m really, really tired. I can sleep for a long time and still feel exhausted. Living with manageable anxiety is worth it for me. But overall, this medicine has really helped me, and I’m so glad I started taking it."

• Aus...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 18, 2014

Fluvoxamine for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I finally got the courage to talk to my GP about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and all the other issues it was creating. I was first OCD when 14 (Now 33). I was given some samples of Aropax back then and it seemed to eliminate the symptoms immediately, but over time and no planning for continued dosage, my condition worsened and led me to Luvox. I was really down and out. The Luvox initially made me very tired, diminished Sex Drive, and loss of appetite. The enhanced depression was getting to me. The initial 50mg dose was increased (I'm 6'5 115kgs) to 100mg. After 4-5 weeks, this started getting better. The sleepiness became the opposite (hard to sleep). Take them at the same time every day and keep a journal of your improvement."

• Ste...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 4, 2019

For Depression "This medicine fluvoxamine has its pros and cons. I have spent 3 years on this medication. Started on 25 mg and slowly increased to 200 mg. I felt like I had lost all emotion on this dose. I couldn’t feel anything. I stood at my grandmother's funeral and didn’t even shed a single tear. I just couldn’t feel anything. I decreased my dose to 100 mg, and it has completely stopped all suicidal thoughts and anxiety and mostly all of my depression, but I cannot do my job consistently due to feeling extremely tired, weak, and lethargic. I cannot focus nor concentrate, and I find it hard to stay consistent and interested in hobbies. I have an “I don’t care” attitude a lot of the time when it comes to my job especially and hobbies. I find it hard to function this way. I feel like I have trouble remembering anything, and my brain is not working as well as it used to. I could sleep 23 hours a day. I feel unmotivated and disinterested in a lot of things. Neither situation is ideal."

• Ste...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 4, 2019

For Depression "This medicine fluvoxamine has its pros and cons. I have spent 3 years on this medication. Started on 25 mg and slowly increased to 200 mg. I felt like I had lost all emotion on this dose. I couldn’t feel anything. I stood at my grandmother's funeral and didn’t even shed a single tear. I just couldn’t feel anything. I decreased my dose to 100 mg, and it has completely stopped all suicidal thoughts and anxiety and mostly all of my depression, but I cannot do my job consistently due to feeling extremely tired, weak, and lethargic. I cannot focus nor concentrate, and I find it hard to stay consistent and interested in hobbies. I have an “I don’t care” attitude a lot of the time when it comes to my job especially and hobbies. I find it hard to function this way. I feel like I have trouble remembering anything, and my brain is not working as well as it used to. I could sleep 23 hours a day. I feel unmotivated and disinterested in a lot of things. Neither situation is ideal."

• Fre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 11, 2019

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "The first day I took fluvoxamine, I felt completely relieved from these constant intrusive thoughts. I also take two other medications besides this. I really felt peace in my head and heart. I feel tired and sleepy, but it also could be the combination of all the other meds that I am taking with. I honestly can say this medication is a lifesaver for me. It has been only three days, but I won't want to be without it. I would rather be tired and sleepy than being absolutely miserable 24 hours and going out while dead on the inside but alive on the outside."

• Luv...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 27, 2016

Fluvoxamine for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I was prescribed Zoloft for anxiety and panic attacks, and soon my OCD was out of control. I was switched to Luvox and have improved greatly. However, I'm always tired and yet still can't sleep. I've heard that some side effects can improve over time-hoping this happens for me."

• mar...
• July 26, 2017

Fluvoxamine for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I was prescribed this medication when I was 14 for OCD and panic attacks. During my time on it, I took between 150 and 200 mg and had a very negative reaction. The medicine made me unbearably tired, so much so that I experienced visual hallucinations due to such extreme exhaustion. Also, I now have major gaps in my memory from that time. I think Luvox can be effective, but be careful with it, especially if you're young and/or very small (I was less than 100 pounds at the time, so you can imagine how I'd react to a dose like that). It got rid of many of my anxiety and OCD symptoms, but at what cost? By far the strongest SSRI I have ever taken. Tread carefully."

• 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."

• red...
• November 4, 2017

Fluvoxamine for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "After growing up much of my life leaving myself undiagnosed, I decided to start therapy for OCD and anxiety. I later decided to start taking medicine. I'm only 18 years old. They put me on fluvoxamine/Luvox. I'm currently on 200 mg. It's harder to notice a difference since it took forever to kick in, but overall I feel much better, and I'm able to be more social and not stress out. I'm able to let things go. The only side effect I notice is tiredness. However, I'm able to cope."

• Coq...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 30, 2012

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "This medicine has completely changed my life. I had been on Wellbutrin for 4 years yet still had the obsessive, racing thoughts that were so disabling I could barely be present for any given moment. Now I'm taking 50 mg fluvoxamine in the morning and 50 mg early afternoon with 150 mg Wellbutrin in the morning. For the first time ever, I am experiencing what I think life is supposed to be, and what life feels like for a healthy person. The side effects were extremely difficult the first month (bouts of lethargy, insomnia, incessant sugar and carb cravings, sexual side effects), but my body has adapted very well and the side effects are dissipating finally. My suggestion is to give this medicine at least 10 weeks and regular intense exercise to boost serotonin naturally."

• RMa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 3, 2019

Fluvoxamine for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "Restarted 100 mg Luvox augmented with 20 mg of Memantine while weaning off of 450 mg of Wellbutrin, and I am tired all the time. Hopefully, the tiredness goes away and I don't gain a lot of weight like the last time I used Luvox."

• Bel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 30, 2020

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I’ve been on Luvox (150 mg) for 2 months due to OCD and anxiety, and it has been great! My obsession with negative thoughts went away, and I don’t ever remember having them! I don’t have any more anxiety in my chest, it's incredible! It also helped me with my appetite and mood. The only downside is that for the first month, I was really, really tired and slept almost all day. But the drowsiness went away after the second month."

• Ren...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 9, 2022

For Anxiety and Stress "Honestly, I don’t think this is a good medicine for me. At first, I was on 50 mg twice a day. Then moved to around March 22 to 100 mg twice a day, and I feel worse. My depression and anxiety are still terrible. I low-key hallucinate, and it’s scary. I have a hard time eating, and I feel paranoid sometimes. I’m always tired and have no motivation. I barely sleep, my mouth is dry all the time, my head hurts, and I’m constantly overheating. I don’t feel like myself anymore. If you feel like a medicine isn’t working for you, it’s okay to say no on upping the dosage and to take a break or change to a different medicine! It didn’t work for me, and that’s okay. Now I’m weaning off of it, and I hope I feel normal again."

• End...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 22, 2017

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "So far, so good! The side effects I’ve experienced are loss of appetite and extreme tiredness, which are definitely bearable. I’m upping my dosage to 100 mg today, and so I’ll repost if I get any worsening side effects. My mood seems more stable, and I’m not as angry. I’ve noticed a positive change thus far, and I’m hoping it only gets better as my dosage increases."

• Bel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 6, 2018

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "So it’s only my 4th day on this medication, my doctor prescribed me 25 mg to start off. I have severe anxiety and OCD. I’ve tried Lexapro, Zoloft, and Buspar but couldn’t get past the side effects. This is the only medication I’ve tried that doesn’t have major side effects. The only thing that I have noticed is I have been extremely tired. I take it every night at 9:00 PM, and I’m about to pass out 20 minutes after. It will make you tired during the day too. My doctor said that is normal and I need to push through it. I gave it a 9/10 because it’s only been about 5 days, so I haven’t noticed anything, but I will take the sleepiness side effect any day over the other medications. But I will update when I hit the 4-week mark."

• mih...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 26, 2018

Fluvoxamine for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I switched to Luvox because Effexor was making my cholesterol go through the roof, and now the sexual side effects are back, and I'm more tired than usual. I take 450 mg Wellbutrin with it, along with various supplements. I'm going to give it a few weeks before trying something else."

• Hdj...
• September 24, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "Fluvoxamine worked great with my anxiety, but took a while to work. It helped me rationalize my thoughts better because it took away the physical symptoms of anxiety and stopped my panic attacks. However, the memory loss and lethargy that came with it affected me so much that I decided to stop. It would occasionally cause brain fog and dissociation."