Fluvoxamine and Sexual Dysfunction: 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."

• Aus...
• August 2, 2013

Fluvoxamine for Anxiety and Stress "An excellent medicine for me for controlling thoughts and anxiety. I use 50mg at 8 pm. I can't describe what a difference it has made to my life. I'm happy to take it for the rest of my life. I tried going without it for about a year because I was feeling good, but I will never do that again because of how horrible it was without it. When I've gone on Luvox, I feel the effect almost overnight. It is really important that you take it at the same time every day and that you follow a good sleeping schedule and not go to bed very late (i.e., after 11 pm) for best results. There is only one downside for me and that is more difficult to reach orgasm and libido is reduced. If it was not for this I would give it a 10."

• Aus...
• August 2, 2013

Fluvoxamine for Anxiety and Stress "An excellent medicine for me for controlling thoughts and anxiety. I use 50mg at 8 pm. I can't describe what a difference it has made to my life. I'm happy to take it for the rest of my life. I tried going without it for about a year because I was feeling good, but I will never do that again because of how horrible it was without it. When I've gone on Luvox, I feel the effect almost overnight. It is really important that you take it at the same time every day and that you follow a good sleeping schedule and not go to bed very late (i.e., after 11 pm) for best results. There is only one downside for me and that is more difficult to reach orgasm and libido is reduced. If it was not for this I would give it a 10."

• TLB...
• May 25, 2017

Fluvoxamine for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I was first put on this med in 1995 to deal with my OCD, which manifests itself in compulsive negative thoughts and an inability to overcome negativity, as well as occasional wishing I would die, and suicidal thoughts (never acted upon). Due to frequent professionally-caused moves around the world, periodically Luvox was unavailable to me, so I was placed on alternatives such as Zoloft and others, all of which had heavy side effects. The best thing for me about Luvox was my ability to cope, no sexual side effects, and also the ability to still feel, all of which other drugs (especially Zoloft) prevented, leaving me feeling like a zombie. Luvox let me be me without my OCD and generally with it, I am a happier, more positive, and creative person."

• 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."

• FSI...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 4, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "Don't let the bad reviews fool you! I've tried about 10 different antidepressants. This one's the best. Yes, there is no 'perfect pill'. But this one's close to it. I finally have had a break with my obsessive thoughts. I definitely feel less anxious and depressed. This is the only SSRI to not make me feel numb. And the only effective antidepressant for me. It doesn't make me feel jittery either. When I first started this medication, I had issues with drowsiness, insomnia, and sexual side effects. But all of that went away in a month's time. I really hope this medication doesn't disappear! It's quite literally a lifesaver. So thankful to whoever made this drug."

• 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."

• 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
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 2, 2013

Fluvoxamine for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "The day that I'm writing this review, I was switched to Prozac by my doctor. Luvox for around 8 months worked wonders for my OCD. I was basically symptom-free during that time with very little anxiety and worry. After the 8-month mark, it slowly started losing its effectiveness. My doctor bumped it from 150 mg to 200 mg, but that made everything worse. I wasn't falling asleep until 7 am, I had no energy during the day, and my OCD symptoms were basically completely back. I was also on Zoloft for around a year, and the same thing happened there. Everybody is different, though. If you have OCD and haven't tried Luvox, give it a try. When everything was going well, I still experienced sexual side effects like low libido and delayed ejaculation."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 2, 2013

Fluvoxamine for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "The day that I'm writing this review, I was switched to Prozac by my doctor. Luvox for around 8 months worked wonders for my OCD. I was basically symptom-free during that time with very little anxiety and worry. After the 8-month mark, it slowly started losing its effectiveness. My doctor bumped it from 150 mg to 200 mg, but that made everything worse. I wasn't falling asleep until 7 am, I had no energy during the day, and my OCD symptoms were basically completely back. I was also on Zoloft for around a year, and the same thing happened there. Everybody is different, though. If you have OCD and haven't tried Luvox, give it a try. When everything was going well, I still experienced sexual side effects like low libido and delayed ejaculation."

• Anonymous
• January 3, 2011

For Anxiety and Stress "I've suffered from panic attacks and anxiety for years. I took Paxil for many years, but its effectiveness waned, and I hated the weight gain and sexual side effects that came with it. I switched to Luvox, starting with 25 mg, and it worked miracles. Eventually, I had to move up to 50 mg, and now for the last two years, 75 mg. I have had no adverse effects, and it has been a lifesaver. Eventually, when my son was diagnosed with panic disorder (certainly inherited from me, much like I inherited it from my mother), his doctor tried Luvox for him, too. His assumption was that our genetic similarity and our similar diagnosis might be treated by the same medicine. He was right. Both my son and I are living anxiety-free, panic attack-free lives."

• Sue...
• April 15, 2012

Fluvoxamine for Anxiety and Stress "I tend to go on and off it when I am well. I hate the sexual side effects, but it works almost immediately for me. I get headaches and trouble sleeping, but when it works, I feel so normal, it is priceless and worth the grief."

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

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "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."

• RWi...
• February 1, 2017

Fluvoxamine for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "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."

• RWi...
• February 1, 2017

Fluvoxamine for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "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."

• 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."

• pin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 2, 2016

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "This drug I would HIGHLY recommend if you are struggling with OCD/anxiety/intrusive thoughts. I have been put on many other SSRIs for my OCD, and none worked till my doc prescribed me fluvoxamine. It works specifically for OCD, so it's effective in most people. It has saved my life. Now I can get out of the house and not be plagued by my intrusive thoughts. The only downside for me is decreased libido, weight loss (not having an appetite most of the day), and sleep problems (the sleep problems stopped in a week or so). But hey, I would rather have those side effects than OCD. I think this drug is good to get your mind back on track from OCD. Not sure if there's a time in the future when it would stop working or not, but so far it's been amazing."

• Adr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 1, 2016

Fluvoxamine for Anxiety and Stress "I'm a Brazilian boy, 21 years old, and I suffer from mild depression and GAD. Effexor was the holy grail for my HUGE anxiety, unfortunately, it came along with sexual problems. My doc said Luvox had a lower chance of having these kinds of side effects. It's been a month since I switched to it, and I felt nothing but a 70% return in my anxiety using half of the maximum daily dosage. Still can't ejaculate, neither have the same libido as I used to."

• 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."

• Mel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 13, 2018

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "Long story short, it works. I knew I had anxiety, but it never hindered me. It started to go into panic attacks. Then one day, I had these images and thoughts that were totally unwanted. OCD with compulsive thoughts. Then I went into a depression really bad. It took about two weeks to see a difference, and I had a panic attack, so my medication got increased to 150 mg. I don’t have panic attacks anymore when I’m driving or just in general. Thoughts sometimes, but I don’t focus on it or scold myself about it. I just let it pass, and that’s it. The side effects for me were insomnia, which is why I take it in the morning, and some sexual dysfunction. I can live with that. I’m back on track with life now. I really recommend this drug to try out first. Just give it time, and if you also need to see a psychologist, it helps as well."

• Vla...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 19, 2018

For Depression "I am a 36-year-old guy in decent enough physical health, and I have been taking fluvoxamine for 7 months. Important to mention that this has been along with seeing a therapist weekly. To get the negatives out first, the fluvoxamine (Luvox) creates a yucky salty taste in my mouth, I get drunk quicker than usual when I drink (which, and I’m not proud of, I do often), and my sex drive is decreased, though not evaporated. For the positives: before starting on Luvox, I was having compulsive, looping, negative thoughts about myself, which in retrospect were dangerous. These went away almost immediately. I have had only one episode since. A sense of fear, both about specific and non-specific things, has gradually decreased as well. It has taken the full 7 months for this to happen. My days are now less hellish and often pleasant. Again — this has been a slow process."

• ano...
• August 14, 2015

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "Fluvoxamine is the pill I've been searching for my whole life. I started out with 100 mg and have up'd it to 200 mg daily. When I first realized that the medicine was working, the experience was comparable to the first time I got glasses when I was in sixth grade and did not know I had bad vision. Fluvoxamine gave me back control. A negative side effect is the sexual dysfunction, though; it takes me quite a bit longer to get there, which is good for her, I guess, but frustrating for me."

• Emi...
• November 22, 2020

Fluvoxamine for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I have been on Luvox for 4 years now, and it has worked for me very well for OCD. I almost have no anxiety anymore. The downsides are that I have had loss of libido, constipation all the time, and insomnia. I haven’t had any problems with weight gain like other antidepressants."

• anx...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 4, 2019

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "Fluvoxamine drug has been a godsend for my OCD. This is just one of the few meds that are actually approved and indicated in the treatment of OCD. I've been taking the maximum dose for years now. Ramping up the dose initially was rough and made my anxiety much worse, but I persevered. No other SSRIs or SNRIs or antipsychotics touched my OCD (tried over 30). This drug does nothing for my mood (unlike Prozac, which made me feel good but did nothing for OCD). This drug gave me my life back, I went from spending hours a day cleaning and ritualizing to somewhat normal. It took a while, and my OCD is definitely still there. This med also causes some sexual dysfunction, but I don't care. I'd rather be functional and leave the house. Side effects mild."

• HMa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 9, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been taking fluvoxamine 50 mg dose for anxiety and stress for 4 years now. I just had the worst anxiety attack I've ever had. I'm starting to think I need to try something different, as I still feel anxious and depressed. Not to mention my sex drive is way down and has been since taking this med. I know it is a side effect, but it makes me sad that I can't reach my climax, which in turn makes me feel worse."