Drug title

Loxitane (Loxapine)

Usage indications

Loxapine is used to treat certain mental/mood disorders (such as schizophrenia). This medicine helps you to think more clearly, feel less nervous, and take part in everyday life. It can reduce aggression and the desire to hurt yourself/others. It may also help to decrease hallucinations (such as hearing/seeing things that are not there). Loxapine is a psychiatric medication (antipsychotic type) that works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances (such as dopamine) in the brain.

How to use Loxitane

Take this medication by mouth, usually 2 to 4 times daily with or without food or exactly as directed by your doctor.

If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/dropper and mix it in liquid or soft food (such as applesauce, pudding) just before taking. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of side effects such as drowsiness and shaking (tremor), your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's directions carefully.

Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.

Although you may notice some improvement in your symptoms soon after starting this medication, it may take several weeks to months before you get the full benefit of this drug.

Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped. Also, you may experience symptoms such as uncontrolled movements. To prevent these symptoms while you are stopping treatment with this drug, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Report any new or worsening symptoms right away.

Missed doses

During single miss of doze Loxitane intake, it is necessary to take the doze as soon as possible. If the time of missed doze intake corresponds to the time of next doze intake the drug intake should be missed. The double dosage is prohibited for intake.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose include decreased urination; difficulty breathing; involuntary, uncontrolled muscle movements; loss of consciousness; seizures; severe or persistent dizziness. Seek medical attention immediately if you overdosed the medicine.

Storage

Store Loxitane at room temperature of 68 - 77 F degrees (20 - 25 С degrees).

Keep away from the sources of heat, humidity and light. Do not store at bath room.

Keep Loxitane away from children and pets.

Precautions

Inform your doctor on your medical history such as allergy, psychic problems, heart problems, glaucoma, difficult urination or risk factors for difficult urination, Parkinson disease, mammary gland cancer, stomach blocking or spasms, the intake of any drugs sold with or without prescription, vegetal preparations or food add-ons, pregnancy, plans to get pregnant, breast feeding, alcohol abuse, illness or weakness.

Do not use Loxitane in case if you are allergic to it or any of its components, you take sodium oxybate, you have serious problems with central neural system, coma or sedation condition.

Drug interaction

Tell your doctor if you take the folllowing medicines:

• barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital), narcotics (eg, codeine), or sodium oxybate ( GHB) because the risk of side effects, such as severe drowsiness, may be increased ;anticholinergics (eg, trihexyphenidyl) because side effects of Loxitane may be increased; benzodiazepines (eg, lorazepam) because side effects may be increased by Loxitane.

Possible side effects

The most common side effects are constipation, blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, nausea, stuffy nose, trouble sleeping, omiting, weight gain or loss.

Severe side effects incude Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); agitation; altered mental abilities, including lack of response to your surroundings; chills or persistent sore throat; confusion; dark urine; decreased urination; fainting or faintness; fast or irregular heartbeat; hyperactivity; increased saliva production; increased thirst; involuntary, uncontrolled muscle movements; menstrual changes; mental or mood changes; muscle twitching; numbness or tingling of the skin; restlessness; seizures; shortness of breath; severe constipation; slurred speech; staggering or shuffling gait; stiff or rigid muscles; sweating; tremor; unexplained fever; vision changes; yellowing of the eyes or skin.

Seek medical attention if one of the listed above symptoms occurs.