Loxapine: Drug Information

Brand Name: Loxitane

Other names: Loxapac

Drug Class: Tricyclic dibenzoxazepine antipsychotic

Uses of Loxapine:

Loxapine is a tricyclic dibenzoxazepine antipsychotic drug. It is used in the treatment of schizophrenia and helps treat delusions, hallucinations, agitation, anxiety and restlessness. It is known to work by antagonizing the dopaminergic action in the brain and also has serotonin inhibiting activity.

Dosage:

Loxapine can be taken orally with or without food. It is recommended to take this medicine as prescribed by your doctor at regular intervals everyday. Do not stop taking this drug abruptly as it may worsen your present condition.

Warning and Precautions:

Do not take Loxapine if you are hypersensitive to the drug.

This drug should not be taken in case you have been diagnosed with pre-existing depression, bone marrow suppression or Pheochromocytoma (a neuroendorine tumor of the medulla of the adrenal glands).

Loxapine can pass into breast milk and should not be taken by nursing mothers.

Caution is advised when administering this medicine to patients diagnosed with kidney disorder, epilepsy, cardiovascular disease, Parkinson’s disease, closed angle glaucoma, diabetes, myasthenia gravis or high blood pressure.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant before taking this medicine.

Drug Interactions:

The anticholinergic effects of Loxapine are aggravated when combined with antiparkinson agents and tricyclic antidepressants. If taken with mono amine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), it may result in orthostatic hypotension. It adds to central nervous system depression when taken with sedatives, hypnotics, antihistamines, opiates and alcohol.

Side effects:

Some of the most common side effects of the medication include drowsiness, dizziness, muscle twitching, insomnia, tardive dyskinesia, cardiovascular disorder, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, dry mouth, blurred vision, headache, paresthesia, seborrhea, dyspnoea and hot flushes.

Overdose:

In case of an overdose of the medication, you must report to your doctor at the earliest or contact your local poison control center.