-
LOXAPINE (LOX a peen) treats schizophrenia. It works by balancing the levels of dopamine and serotonin in your brain, substances that help regulate mood, behaviors, and thoughts. It belongs to a group of medications called antipsychotics. Antipsychotic medications can be used to treat several kinds of mental health conditions.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
-
Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your care team.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
-
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
-Metoclopramide
This medication may also interact with the following:
-Alcohol
-Antihistamines for allergy, cough, and cold
-Atropine
-Carbamazepine
-Certain medications for anxiety or sleep
-Certain medications for bladder problems like oxybutynin, tolterodine
-Certain medications for depression like amitriptyline, fluoxetine, sertraline
-Certain medications for stomach problems like dicyclomine, hyoscyamine
-Certain medications for travel sickness like scopolamine
-Epinephrine
-General anesthetics like halothane, isoflurane, methoxyflurane, propofol
-Ipratropium
-Levodopa or other medications for Parkinson's disease
-Lithium
-Medications for blood pressure
-Medications for seizures
-Medications that relax muscles for surgery
-Narcotic medications for pain
-Phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
-
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Do not suddenly stop taking this medication. You may need to gradually reduce the dose. Only stop taking on the advice of your care team.
You may get dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your care team if the problem does not go away or is severe.
This medication can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.
This medication can cause problems with controlling your body temperature. It can lower the response of your body to cold temperatures. If possible, stay indoors during cold weather. If you must go outdoors, wear warm clothes. It can also lower the response of your body to heat. Do not overheat. Do not over-exercise. Stay out of the sun when possible. If you must be in the sun, wear cool clothing. Drink plenty of water. If you have trouble controlling your body temperature, call your care team right away.
-
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
-
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
-Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
-High fever, stiff muscles, increased sweating, fast or irregular heartbeat, and confusion, which may be signs of neuroleptic malignant syndrome
-High prolactin level—unexpected breast tissue growth, discharge from the nipple, change in sex drive or performance, irregular menstrual cycle
-Infection—fever, chills, cough, or sore throat
-Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
-Seizures
-Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss
-Trouble passing urine
-Uncontrolled and repetitive body movements, muscle stiffness or spasms, tremors or shaking, loss of balance or coordination, restlessness, shuffling walk, which may be signs of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
-Constipation
-Drowsiness
-Dry mouth
-Headache
-Weight gain
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
-
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
DISCLAIMER: This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment. Drug information is sourced from GSDD (Gold Standard Drug Database ) provided by Elsevier.
En Español
