Loxapine is used to treat schizophrenia, an illness that causes changes in perception, thoughts and behaviour. It helps to relieve symptoms common in schizophrenia, such as distorted thinking and emotional instability.
This medicines is also used to treat agitation associated with bipolar disorder, a disorder marked by alternating periods of feeling very high (mania) and very low (depression).
Take Loxapine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
This medicine should be taken together with food or immediately after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Loxapine is also available as an oral solution. If you are taking the oral solution, use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure out your prescribed dose.
This medicine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have severe drug-induced depression as Loxapine may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease
- dementia-related psychosis in elderly e.g. delusions, hallucinations
- liver disease
- epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- Parkinson's disease (a disorder that affects movement of a person, causing symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement and impaired balance or walking)
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly. Your doctor may also need to do routine blood tests while you are being treated with Loxapine.
Loxapine may cause drowsiness, dizziness and blurred vision. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
You may also feel dizzy when getting up from a sitting or lying down position, especially if you are taking this medicine for the very first time. This is common and should improve gradually as you get used Loxapine. It will help if you get up slowly from a sitting or lying down position.
Loxapine may affect the ability of your body to adjust to temperature changes in the environment. Avoid exposure to very cold or very hot environments.
Your skin may also become more sensitive to sunlight. Apply sunscreen when going outdoors and avoid direct or prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV lamps.
Other side effects include any of the following: dry mouth, taste perversion, blocked nose, tiredness, difficulty urinating, constipation, nausea, vomiting, difficulty sleeping, confusion and weight gain or weight loss.
Women may experience breast pain, milk secretion and changes in their menstrual cycle while men may experience breast enlargement and impotence. Discuss with your doctor if you are worried about these side effects.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- uncontrollable twitching movements of the mouth, tongue and limbs
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour)
- fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers, unusual bleeding or bruising
- muscle stiffness, fever, blood pressure changes
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- difficulty breathing, chest pain or tightness, wheezing, coughing
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for anxiety e.g. lorazepam, diazepam
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenobarbital , phenytoin, carbamazepine
- medicines for depression e.g. fluvoxamine
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Loxapine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
The oral solution should be used within 1 month after opening.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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