Luvox and Drowsiness: What Users Say

• lis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 8, 2013

For Anxiety and Stress "I suffered from anxiety, excessive worrying, and ruminating to the point where it was obsessive and led to a bad depression. I have been this way off and on ever since I can remember. I have been referred to as a worrywart and possibly obsessive-compulsive. I tried Zoloft and Lexapro. Both helped with my depression symptoms, however, neither helped my anxiety at all and both killed my appetite and sex drive. I also tried Xanax occasionally and Buspar. However, although these relieved my anxiety, they made my depression worse. It was a catch-22. Finally, the doc put me on a low dose (25mg) of Luvox. What a relief! I have not noticed any side effects other than drowsiness at times. This medicine has worked well so far, even in a low dose two months now."

• Mr ...
• June 13, 2013

For Anxiety and Stress "I started on 50mg daytime and 50mg at night. Had upset stomach with vomiting for a few days, then that subsided. Eventually, my dosage was increased to 100mg during the day and 100mg at night. I had some life-changing events occur, and I was able to accept them and keep on track with life's daily trials and tribulations. It just helps keep your thoughts clear so that you can deal with life's challenges. The biggest side effect was that I wanted to sleep all the time. I decreased the dosage back down to 100mg, but I only take it once a day at 5:00 pm. It wears off enough by 7:00 am. Then I have motivation to do things throughout the day yet still remain somewhat calm and focused."

• rvr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 13, 2012

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "After trying Zoloft and Lexapro, without any success and made my symptoms worse. Luvox helped me get my life back, the best medicine. I feel MUCH more in control of my OCD. Excellent, even when I feel sleepy sometimes as a side effect, it's worth it!"

• Anonymous
• December 6, 2011

For Anxiety and Stress "Luvox did help with my depression and anxiety symptoms, but it had an extreme sedative effect on me. Unfortunately, my doctor did not realize my extreme fatigue was caused by this medicine, and I spent money on sleep studies, blood tests, and various medications trying to figure out why I was so tired. I could get through my work day, but I would crash. I was sleeping 4 hours after work, getting up to make dinner, and then returning to bed. I was so frustrated, feeling like I was missing out on life. I wasn't depressed because of a chemical imbalance, but because I felt like I didn't have a life. I saw a different doctor, and as soon as he took me off Luvox, my energy returned. Definitely not the right medicine for me."

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

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "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."

• jul...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 5, 2016

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "Luvox was the second medication I tried for OCD. I was only on the lowest dose of this medication for 4 days because the side effects were unbearable. About 4 hours after taking this medication, I became incredibly sedated and out of it. The drowsiness was so pronounced that I did not wish to continue this med. Since I had nowhere near reached the therapeutic dose of this medication, I hope that my rating doesn't discourage one from trying it. All SSRIs are notorious for having some initial side effects before you see their benefit; I just couldn't make it to that stage."

• jul...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 5, 2016

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "Luvox was the second medication I tried for OCD. I was only on the lowest dose of this medication for 4 days because the side effects were unbearable. About 4 hours after taking this medication, I became incredibly sedated and out of it. The drowsiness was so pronounced that I did not wish to continue this med. Since I had nowhere near reached the therapeutic dose of this medication, I hope that my rating doesn't discourage one from trying it. All SSRIs are notorious for having some initial side effects before you see their benefit; I just couldn't make it to that stage."

• Anonymous
• June 23, 2010

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."

• Bry...
• May 5, 2016

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "This medication works fine. It just makes me really drowsy, and I yawn so much. It also makes me go to the restroom more. Other than that, it works fine."