Loxapine
Description
Loxapine is an antipsychotic medication used in the treatment of schizophrenia. This medicine should be taken at the same time regularly. This medicine is not indicated for use in children.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Loxapine
- Difficulty in speaking (dysphonia) and swallowing
- Loss of balance control
- Shuffling walk
- Stiffness of arms and legs
- Constipation
- Difficulty urination
- Skin Rash
- Muscle cramps
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Dry mouth and lips
- Drowsiness
Uses of Loxapine
What is it prescribed for?
- Schizophrenia
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe time required for this medicine to show its action is about 20 to 30 minutes.
- Duration of effectThis medicine remains active in the body for about 12 hours after administration.
- Safe with alcohol?Consumption of alcohol is not recommended during treatment with this medicine due to the increased risk of drowsiness, dizziness, impaired judgment, and difficulty in concentration. It is advised that you do not perform any activities that require high mental alertness such as driving a vehicle or operating heavy machinery if you consume alcohol during treatment with this medicine.
- Is it habit forming?No habit forming tendency has been reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine. Your doctor may prescribe a safer alternative based on your clinical condition.
Severe central nervous system disorders
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with severe central nervous system depression, coma, or uncontrolled seizures disorder due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to loxapine or any other ingredients present along with it.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine. Your doctor may prescribe a safer alternative based on your clinical condition.
General warnings
Dementia- related psychosis
Loxapine is not approved for use in patients with dementia-related psychosis due to the increased risk of death.
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
Loxapine should be discontinued immediately if the patient develops Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome, a condition characterized by an increase in the body temperature, muscle rigidity, and altered consciousness.
Tardive dyskinesia
Loxapine may cause involuntary movements of the tongue, lips, and face. Report any such symptoms to the doctor immediately. Gradual dose reduction or discontinuation of the medicine may be required based on the clinical condition.
Seizures
Loxapine should be used with caution in patients with a known history of seizure disorder due to the increased risk of recurrent seizures. Appropriate corrective measures, dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the clinical condition.
Drowsiness
Loxapine may cause drowsiness. It is advised that you do not perform any activities that require high mental alertness such as driving a vehicle or operating heaving machinery during treatment with this medicine.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed one.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
N/A
Instructions
Consumption of alcohol is not recommended during treatment with this medicine due to the increased risk of drowsiness, dizziness, impaired judgment, and difficulty in concentration. It is advised that you do not perform any activities that require high mental alertness such as driving a vehicle or operating heavy machinery if you consume alcohol during treatment with this medicine.
Interaction with Medicine
Clozapine
Tramadol
Zonisamide
Fentanyl
Methadone
Pentazocine
Disease interactions
Dementia
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with dementia-related psychosis due to the increased risk of death. An alternate medicine should be considered based on the clinical condition.
Parkinsonism
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with Parkinson's disease due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Replacement with a suitable alternative should be considered under your doctor's supervision.
Liver Disease
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with a known history of liver diseases due to the increased risk of severe side effects. Appropropriate dose adjustments should be considered based on the clinical condition of the patient.
CNS Depression
This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients with a known history of CNS depression due to the increased risk of serious adverse effects. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the clinical condition.
Intestinal obstruction
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with a known history of intestinal obstruction due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the clinical condition.
Glaucoma
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with a known history of glaucoma due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the clinical condition.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take Loxapine as instructed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts than advised. Consult the doctor if you experience any undesirable side effects. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Miscelleneous
How it works
It reduces the symptoms of schizophrenia such as loss of interest in life, emotional distress, etc.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Miscellaneous antipsychotic agents
Schedule
Schedule H
DailyMed - Loxapine succinate tablet [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 24 August 2017]. Available from:
Loxapine - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2017 [cited 24 August 2017]. Available from:
Loxapine: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2017 [cited 24 August 2017]. Available from:
[Internet]. 2017 [cited 8 September 2017]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 9 Sep 2017
Disclaimer
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