Fluvoxamine for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder User Reviews (Page 3)

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

Fluvoxamine "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."

• Anonymous
• July 20, 2009

Fluvoxamine "Longtime OCD sufferer has relief after 30 years. I now know what resting before bed is. There is one drawback - if I run out of medicine, I get sick. Well, the results outweigh this problem, and I do know how to handle it (try not to run out)."

• MB1...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 23, 2022

"I'm 39 years old. I have a couple of diagnoses, but most prevalently I have PO-OCD and have been struggling since I was 10 or 11 years old. Meds have been part of my life for quite some time. Some helped, and some made it much worse. I have tried nearly all of them and have explored the alphabet of SS/SNRIs, off-label anticonvulsants, benzos, antipsychotics (it just keeps going). Luvox was an absolute game-changer. After years of mediocre results, I had just given in to the notion that meds could only get me 'so far,' and while some were better than others, nothing was ever going to 'fix' me enough to feel beyond 'just okay' again. WELL, this was like a perfectly cut key into a brand new lock sprayed with WD-40. Within a week, the clouds of rumination, intrusive thoughts, perseveration, feelings of impending doom, visual images of traumatic events happening to my family, the 5-hour long games of 'what if'--so quiet I can barely hear their whisper. Life-altering."

• OCD...
• October 26, 2019

Fluvoxamine "I’ve been on Luvox for about a year and a half now, far better than Zoloft for me. Zoloft just made me feel like a zombie with anxiety and depression. Luvox has allowed me to totally stop my ruminating thoughts completely. My depression is still very real, though, it feels like there is a weight on my brain. I’ve tried to augment with a few medications so far, with none helping. Might switch to something different soon, but 10/10 for OCD, 2/10 for depression."

• Lud...
• September 30, 2015

Fluvoxamine "Absolutely amazing! I was in a terrible spot with my harm OCD... And then this miracle of a drug came along! It's almost like it's a physical volume knob that turns your thoughts down... To the point where they are still there, but so quiet they're insignificant. The only reason I have it a 9/10 is because it took a while to work... But that's different for everyone. If you're reading this and are wondering if it's going to even work... I have been on it for a solid 8 weeks, and I'm just now starting to feel the effects. I literally have trouble falling asleep now, only because I'm excited about tomorrow! :)"

• Aba...
• August 30, 2018

Fluvoxamine "I've only been on this a week, and it has done wonders for my OCD. The intrusive, invading thoughts have gone from an all-day problem to a minimal, much more manageable problem to deal with because they were going out of control before and were getting out of hand."

• Jer...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 9, 2014

"Works well for obsessive-compulsive disorder. The obsessions seem to roll off, like water off a lotus pad. Obsessions are less frequent as well. A few side effects: less frequent bowel movements, some tiredness until you get used to it, lowers sex drive, and you have to work harder to motivate self. But it really does relieve the torment of the mind."

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

"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."

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

"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."

• Emi...
• November 8, 2019

Fluvoxamine "I have obsessive-compulsive disorder and social anxiety, and I have taken Luvox for two years. I have been on 100 mg for a year, and I think that the pills do work for anxiety and OCD, and my social anxiety is almost gone. The problem is that Luvox makes me gain a little bit of weight, and it’s really hard to lose weight. I have reduced my calorie intake, and I’m going to the gym, but still I can’t lose any weight, and I have tried now for two months. Luvox is really stopping me from losing weight. My depression hasn’t gotten any better, it’s still the same."

• RWi...
• February 1, 2017

Fluvoxamine "This may be the most effective drug for OCD (or a close second to clomipramine [ANAFRANIL]). It is inexpensive, and for me, worked within a week to calm down intrusive thoughts and lifted my overall mood. I have been on and off this medication 3-4 times, and it worked each time to save me from crippling depression. That said, like all SSRIs, this medication caused sexual dysfunction (difficulty having an orgasm, delayed ejaculation, erectile dysfunction), which was a deal breaker for me, even with OCD. I will say, however, that in my experience, the sexual dysfunction caused by fluvoxamine was not as bad as the dysfunction caused by paroxetine [PAXIL], sertraline [ZOLOFT], or Anafranil."

• ocd...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 27, 2024

Fluvoxamine "I absolutely love this medication. I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety at 15 and tried multiple antidepressants, but none worked. I went to a different psychiatrist at 23 who diagnosed me with OCD and put me on fluvoxamine. Now it doesn't stop the obsessions or intrusive thoughts, but it's almost like I can feel my brain putting an end to it so I don't always have to do my compulsion. I no longer have to triple-check that I didn't leave harmful chemicals out in the open. The only unfortunate side effects are sometimes it makes me feel a bit hyperactive and shaky, and the first week felt like I was sedated and couldn't form a straight thought. But it works amazingly! I love fluvoxamine. NOTE: Please don't skip a pill. Sometimes if I forget to take it, I end up going crazy the next day. This is one of those medicines you have to be super diligent with."

• Jen...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 21, 2018

Fluvoxamine "I was put on Luvox at 8. I don't recall if it helped with OCD. The whole time I was on the drug, I experienced bad side effects. I was constantly drowsy and unable to function or process information at a normal capacity; as a child and teenager, it was a hindrance to my ability to socialize. I missed out on a lot of my education as a result and am still making up for it (at 30). I was constantly depressed and often suicidal. The drug suppressed my sex drive, which never developed naturally (as a teenager, it was confusing). I got off the drug easily when I was 19. I was instantly more awake, animated, and no longer depressed or suicidal. I have migraines, and it's been suggested that my long dependency on Luvox might be a cause. I would not recommend this drug. It did nothing helpful for me and has been a huge hindrance in my life. I would strongly caution any parent who is considering this drug for a child; any help it provides is not worth the side effects and long-term damage."

• Ale...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 24, 2024

Fluvoxamine "I have been experiencing OCD on and off since I was in elementary school, but it got really bad for me in recent years. At about my worst, I was put on 50 mg of Luvox nightly and it has changed my life. Seriously. I was so skeptical that ANY medication could help my worries and intrusive thoughts. I literally felt a difference in like a week. I was worried it was all placebo, but I've been on it long enough now to know it's just working as intended. I'm still in awe at how much this medication has changed my day to day."

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

"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."

• kma...
• April 3, 2010

Fluvoxamine "I was diagnosed with OCD 20 years ago and was taking Anafranil for 16 years. It helped with panic and agoraphobia but still has lingering OCD tendencies such as hoarding, impulse shopping, and trichotillomania (pulling body hairs). An example of hoarding is I am single and would have to maintain at least 30 twelve-packs of soda in my home to relieve my anxiety. Luvox has been incredible at eliminating 99% of my OCD symptoms with zero side effects. I take 100 mg in the morning and 200 mg at bedtime. I have also been diagnosed with MDD, GAD, SAD, and PTSD. Unfortunately, Luvox has not helped in any of those other areas, and I have augmented it with Wellbutrin, which has actually worsened the above conditions and has created fear and paranoia."

• Foo...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 17, 2017

Fluvoxamine "I have been taking Luvox since 1998. I always knew something was strange about the way I acted growing up, lol. As I grew up, married, and had a child, life became very scary to me. I worried constantly, fearing death for those around me. I suddenly had an episode of what is referred to as an anxiety attack. I thought I was dying... it was a horrible experience, and before I finally went to a social worker seeking help (and that was very hard for me to admit to myself), I'd had a couple more of these anxiety/panic attacks... So... the social worker diagnosed me with OCD. She worked along with my M.D., whom I still see to this day and trust very much, and decided to give the medication she recommended to him for me a try. ... continued"

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

Fluvoxamine "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."

• SGC...
• July 7, 2014

"Try it if you have obsessive-compulsive disorder. I'm glad I did. Have taken it now for about 14 years. If OCD symptoms (ruminating and checking) were at a 9 before, they are at a 2 now. Just occasional flare-ups during more difficult periods of life. Side effects aren't unimportant - delayed ejaculation and a general sleepy feeling. The trade-offs are 1000% worth it."

• mar...
• July 26, 2017

Fluvoxamine "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."

• OCD...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 25, 2015

Fluvoxamine "I was having major anxiety and depression. I sought therapy for a year, and nothing was helping. I tried amitriptyline, Prozac, Lexapro, and I don't know what else, I can't remember. I found a psychiatrist that immediately diagnosed me as OCD at 30 (!!). Mainly O, with some compulsions that are highly functioning. This drug stopped the depression in weeks at 50 mg. Compulsions were so much more manageable. After two years, it just stopped working. We've gone up to 100 mg, and I started getting blurry vision. At 125 mg, I was highly agitated and depressed. Not sure where to go from here."

• Qte...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 15, 2016

Fluvoxamine "Use this drug with caution. I am a female in my early 20s. I was prescribed Luvox for severe OCD, and within a week on it, my OCD spiraled out of control and impaired my ability to function. My psychiatrist initiated the weaning process way too quickly, and I am currently experiencing sickening withdrawal symptoms (throwing up, vertigo, hot flashes, quivering). Everyone's body is different, so for some people, it may be of help. Just be honest with your doctor about whether you feel any adverse reactions and make sure you get on the medicine gradually. My psychiatrist put me on a high dose too rapidly. Good luck, guys!"

• Med...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 27, 2023

Fluvoxamine "I developed permanent chronic fatigue/hypersomnia that I did not have before taking SSRIs. It started with Luvox and then Prozac, and even after being off them for 3 years, I still have the same fatigue issues. I was not warned that side effects from these meds can be permanent and detrimental, literally ruining your life even more than the original issue did (depression or anxiety). My heart goes out to the people suffering. I can never recommend a med that ruined my life; I think all SSRIs/SNRIs are horrible and ineffective long-term. While on Luvox, I was a zombie with no desire to live, other than to sleep for 17 hours of the day and lay in bed the rest of the day. Now, three years off, I am not that bad, but I am still suffering and feel like I am lugging around 200 lb weights and need to sleep constantly. Imagine how depressed I am now. Figures that the only thing that helped my severe OCD was ERP therapy anyway!"

• tot...
• July 19, 2011

"I have been taking fluvoxamine for a long time. I had tried various antidepressants and had terrible side effects because finding the correct one for each individual is not an exact science. I am taking it for clinical depression and also OCD. My OCD manifests in that I can't still my mind from racing. If, perhaps, I were angry at someone, I would just keep going over and over about it in my mind. I told my doctor, 'I just need my brain to shut up.' I have had absolutely no side effects from taking it, and it has helped tremendously with clinical depression. Before being diagnosed with clinical depression, I thought everyone felt like they were in a fog, with no interest in life. Now I know and am very thankful."

• Cho...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 26, 2021

"Luvox has been a great drug for me! I have been on it for over 20 years. I had big problems with OCD, and now I’m doing great. The repetitive thoughts that would go through my head are gone, and the compulsion to do repetitive praying is also gone or at least greatly diminished. OCD sufferers, take heart!"