Does Luvox help with social anxiety? (3+ findings)

In this article, we will discuss whether or not Luvox can help treat social anxiety, how can Luvox help in treating social anxiety, research studies on the effectiveness of Luvox in treating social anxiety, potential side effects of Luvox, what to do if Luvox is not helping your social anxiety, and lifestyle tips and strategies for managing social anxiety.

Does Luvox help with social anxiety?

Yes, Luvox is FDA-approved for the treatment of SAD (Social Anxiety Disorder). Extreme fear or anxiety in social circumstances is a symptom of SAD.

Luvox is the brand name of the medication fluvoxamine, an antidepressant that belongs to the class of drugs known as the SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). (1)

According to clinical trials, Luvox can be an effective treatment for SAD. Patients have reported improvements in symptoms like social anxiety, fear of being judged negatively, and physical symptoms like blushing, sweating, and a racing heart. (2)

Consult your healthcare provider about using Luvox to treat your social anxiety. They will properly assess and evaluate your condition and take the best course of action accordingly.

How can Luvox treat social anxiety?

Luvox’s mechanism of action in increasing the serotonin levels in the brain can help in treating social anxiety. Luvox works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin levels in the brain, which in turn raises the amount of serotonin that is available to the brain’s neurons. (3)

Serotonin is a natural neurotransmitter that controls mood, hunger, social behavior regulation, and sleep. It can also reduce the bodily signs of worry, like heart palpitations, sweating, and shaking.

Additionally, Luvox can reduce the worry of other people’s unfavorable judgment and criticism, which is a common sign of social anxiety. Luvox can enhance overall functioning and quality of life in people diagnosed with SAD. (2)

What does research suggest?

A research study was carried out to assess fluvoxamine’s efficacy in treating SAD. 92 patients with social anxiety were divided into two groups; one group received fluvoxamine, and the other group received a placebo.

For a period of 12 weeks, the fluvoxamine group received 202 mg of fluvoxamine per day. The outcomes demonstrated that, in comparison to placebo, fluvoxamine caused noticeably larger drops in markers of psychological disability and it was shown that fluvoxamine was safe and well-tolerated by patients.

According to the study’s findings, fluvoxamine was proved effective for the pharmacologic of serious types of social phobia and anxiety. (4)

What is the recommended Luvox dose for treating SAD?

The initial recommended Luvox dose is 50 milligrams to be taken at bedtime once per day. If necessary, your healthcare provider may progressively increase the dose up to a maximum of 300 mg per day. Treating SAD usually involves doses between 100 and 300 mg daily.

Remember that each person’s body reacts differently to medications, so your healthcare provider will monitor your symptoms and adjust your dose accordingly. It’s also critical to adhere to your healthcare provider’s recommendations and not alter your dose or discontinue taking it without first consulting them. (5)

What are the potential side effects of Luvox?

There are several adverse effects that can occur while taking Luvox such as: (6)

Common side effects

• Diarrhea.
• Xerostomia (dry mouth).
• Abdominal pain.
• Sexual dysfunction.
• Confusion.
• Insomnia (inability to sleep).
• Sweating.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Constipation.

Serious side effects

• Muscle stiffness.
• Numbness and tingling in any body parts.
• Excessive bleeding in any bodily parts such as gums bleeding, blood in the urine or feces, irregular menstrual cycle, or coughing up blood.
• Seizures.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Arrhythmia or irregular heartbeats.
• Long-lasting confusion and dizziness.

Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of these adverse effects. Your healthcare provider will properly assess your situation and take the best course of action accordingly.

What should you do if Luvox isn’t helping your social anxiety?

If Luvox isn’t helping your social anxiety symptoms, contact your healthcare provider. They might opt to increase your medication dosage or switch you to alternatives that are proven effective in treating social anxiety such as: (7)

Sertraline: An antidepressant that is sold under the brand name Zoloft. It is FDA-approved for treating SAD.

Paroxetine: It is marketed under the brand name Paxil and is FDA-approved for treating depression and SAD.

Venlafaxine: An antidepressant that is marketed under the brand name Effexor is FDA-approved for the treatment of social anxiety.

Your healthcare provider might prescribe other antidepressants that were shown effective in treating social anxiety symptoms such as bupropion and escitalopram.

What strategies and tips can be used to manage social anxiety?

There are several strategies and tips that can be helpful in managing social anxiety symptoms such as: (8), (9)

Psychotherapy: The goal of psychotherapy or CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) is to recognize and question harmful ideas and actions.

Muscle relaxation exercises: To relieve tension and relax your various tensioned muscles.

Deep breathing exercises: They are beneficial for promoting mental and physical calmness.

Exercising: Regular exercising and walking outdoors can help relieve tension, stress, and anxiety.

Good sleep quality: Regulate your sleep schedule. Establish dependable timings for going to bed and waking up every day. This can help reduce anxiety and tension.

Self-compassion: Treat oneself with the same consideration and understanding as you would do to a friend.

Practice mindfulness: By focusing on the present and avoiding past judgments.

Based on my knowledge and research, Luvox can effectively treat SAD and is FDA-approved for this purpose. In my opinion, taking Luvox and practising helpful tips and techniques for SAD can help you manage the symptoms of anxiety.

However, if Luvox is not helping your social anxiety, consult your healthcare provider about increasing your medication dose or switching to an effective alternative.

References