Luvox vs. Remeron
See how Luvox and Remeron compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Luvox is FDA-approved only for obsessive-compulsive disorder, while Remeron is approved for major depressive disorder, though both are used off-label for other conditions.
Both drugs carry a boxed warning for increased suicidal thinking in children and young adults, but Remeron also carries a warning for rare, severe neutropenia.
Luvox is more likely to cause nausea and insomnia, while Remeron is more likely to cause sedation, increased appetite, and weight gain.
Luvox vs. Remeron Drug Summary
Luvox
Luvox (fluvoxamine) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) approved for obsessive-compulsive disorder in adults and children ages 8 and older. It is taken as an oral tablet, usually starting at 50 mg once daily and increasing as needed, with higher doses split into two daily doses.
Remeron
Remeron (mirtazapine) is a tetracyclic antidepressant approved for major depressive disorder in adults. It is taken as a single tablet at bedtime, starting at 15 mg and increasing every one to two weeks up to a maximum of 45 mg based on response.
Luvox vs. Remeron Side Effects
Luvox
Remeron
Luvox vs. Remeron Dosage
Luvox
Remeron
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 25 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 300 mg/day | If needed |
| Dose changes | 4 increases | As tolerated |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 15 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 45 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
Luvox
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 25 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 300 mg/day | If needed |
| Dose changes | 4 increases | As tolerated |
Remeron
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 15 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 45 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
Luvox vs. Remeron Indications
Luvox
Luvox is FDA-approved to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder in adults and in children and adolescents ages 8 to 17. It is also prescribed off-label for depression, social anxiety, and panic disorder, though it is not FDA-approved for those uses.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder in adults
Obsessive-compulsive disorder in children ages 8-17
Off-label: major depressive disorder
Off-label: social anxiety disorder
Off-label: panic disorder
Remeron
Remeron is FDA-approved to treat major depressive disorder in adults. It is also used off-label for insomnia, anxiety, appetite stimulation, and nausea in pregnancy, though these are not FDA-approved uses.
Major depressive disorder in adults
Off-label: insomnia
Off-label: anxiety disorders
Off-label: appetite/weight stimulation
Off-label: nausea in pregnancy (hyperemesis)
Luvox vs. Remeron Pros and Cons
Luvox
Luvox is the only one of the two approved for OCD, including in children as young as 8. It tends to cause less weight gain and sedation than Remeron, but it comes with more drug interaction concerns due to its effect on liver enzymes.
Pros
Approved specifically for OCD, including in children as young as 8
Less likely to cause weight gain than Remeron
No boxed warning for severe neutropenia or QT prolongation
Generally less sedating at typical doses
Cons
Not FDA-approved for depression, only for OCD
Strong CYP1A2 inhibitor with many drug interactions (caffeine, clozapine, theophylline)
Higher rates of nausea and insomnia than Remeron
Often requires twice-daily dosing at higher doses
Remeron
Remeron is approved for a broader condition, major depressive disorder, and its sedating effect can help patients whose depression includes insomnia. It has fewer drug interaction concerns than Luvox but carries its own risks around weight gain and rare blood cell effects.
Pros
Approved for major depressive disorder, a broader use than Luvox's OCD approval
Sedating effect can help with insomnia related to depression
Simple once-daily bedtime dosing with only three dose levels
Fewer significant drug-drug interactions than Luvox
Cons
Not approved for use in pediatric patients at any age
Higher risk of weight gain and increased appetite
Boxed risk of rare but serious neutropenia/agranulocytosis
Sedation can be more pronounced at lower doses, affecting daytime function
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