What is Loxapine?
Loxapine is an antipsychotic drug for treating schizophrenia.Loxapine can be used for other purposes not covered in this medication guide.
Side effects of Loxapine
Contact a medical professional immediately. If you're showing indications of an allergic reaction like symptoms of asthma, hives or the swelling of your lips your tongue and faceLong-term use or high doses of loxapine could cause serious movement disorders that might not be reverseable. The longer you are using loxapine, the more likely you are to develop this condition, especially in the case of women or older people.
Loxapine can cause serious adverse effects. Consult your physician immediately in the event of:
- Uncontrolled muscle movements that aren't controlled in your legs or arms or in your facial expressions (chewing or lip-smacking eye movement, frowning, tongue movements, blinking, or eye movement);
- High heart rate;
- A euphoric experience, similar as if you're drinking;
- Agitation or trouble sleeping;
- Seizure (convulsions);
- Minimal or no urination;
- Extremely constipation;
- Low white blood cell counts low white blood cell counts fever, chills, colds, lips sores and skin sores, sore throat, cough and breathing difficulties, or feeling lightheaded,
- Extreme nervous system reaction: very rigid (rigid) muscles and high fever. Sweating as well as confusion, quick or irregular heartbeats, tremors, and a feeling that you could be stricken with a stroke.
Common negative side effects of loxapine can include:
- Difficulty in balance, dizziness, or walking
- Facial swelling;
- Itching or itching
- Tremors or tremors; the muscle is moving or stiffness
- Numbness, weakness;
- Blurred vision
- Being agitated or uneasy;
- Nausea, vomiting, constipation;
- Dry mouth and stuffy nose
- Insomnia.
This is not an exhaustive overview of every side effect. Other side effects could occur. Contact your physician for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
It is not recommended to take loxapine if your condition has reduced alertness as a result of drinking certain medicines or alcohol.Loxapine is not recommended for use in older adults suffering from dementia-related psychosis.
Before you take this drug
Do not take loxapine if your body is intolerant to amoxapine and loxapine, or if you feel less alert because you are drinking certain medicines or alcohol.Loxapine could cause death in elderly patients who suffer from dementia-related psychosis. The product is not authorised to be used in this way.
Speak to your doctor if you have ever suffered from:
- Epilepsy or any other seizures;
- Low white blood cell (WBC) count;
- Glaucoma;
- Urination issues;
- Obstruction in the stomach (stomach and intestines);
- Parkinson's disease;
- Coronary disease
- Breast cancer.
Inform your doctor whether you are pregnant or have become pregnant. Antipsychotic medication taken during the last three months of pregnancy can result in breathing issues and feeding issues, as well as withdrawal symptoms in newborn babies.
You shouldn't breastfeed when using loxapine.
How to take Loxapine?
Read the instructions on the label of your prescription and read all the medication guidelines and instruction sheets.Your doctor may alter your dosage. Make sure you take the medicine precisely as prescribed.You might not begin feeling better as soon as you begin taking loxapine. Contact your doctor if symptoms do not improve or if they worsen after taking loxapine.Keep at room temperature, free of heat, moisture, and light.
Details on dosage
Common adult doses used for schizophrenia:
The initial dose is 10 mg taken orally every day, twice.
Initial doses of up to 50 mg per day could be required for patients who are severely disturbed.
Begin to titrate quickly over the first 7–10 days, until the symptoms are successfully managed.
Maintain a dose of 60 mg up to 100 mg daily in divided doses between 2 and 4 times per day.
Maximum dose: 250 mg/day
Comments:
The dosage for each day must be adapted to meet the needs of each patient, depending on the severity of symptoms and prior medication for antipsychotics.
The typical therapy and maintenance dose range is 60 to 100 mg per day; however, certain patients might respond to lower doses, while others may respond to more powerful doses.
For treatment maintenance, 20–60 mg is sufficient for the majority of patients.
Use: To treat schizophrenia
The Usual Adult Dose for Agitated States:
10 mg of inhalation by mouth once per 24 hours
Comments:
To reduce the risk of bronchospasm, every patient must undergo an examination and screening prior to administration.
The drug is administered by a health professional only within an enrolled healthcare facility.
Use: For the immediate treatment of agitation that is associated with schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You should take the medication as quickly as you are able, but do not take any missed doses if it's close to the time of the next dose. Don't take two doses at a time.
What happens if I overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help Line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.Overdose symptoms can include a breath that is shallow or weak, fainting, or seizures (convulsions).
What should be avoided?
Avoid operating machinery or driving until you are aware of the effects of loxapine on your body. Do not get up too quickly from a seated or lying posture, as you could experience dizziness. Severe or prolonged sleepiness could cause fractures, falls, or other injuries.Do not drink the alcohol. Dangerous side effects may be experienced.Be aware of being dehydrated or hot when exercising and during hot temperatures. Loxapine is known to reduce sweat and increase the risk of becoming vulnerable to suffering from heat overheat.
Interaction with other drug
Combining loxapine with other medicines that make you sleepy or slow your breathing could cause serious or life-threatening negative side effects. Ask your doctor prior to taking opioids, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or any medication to treat anxiety or seizures.Other drugs can interact with the effects of loxapine, which include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your physician about your current medications and any medications you take or stop taking.
