Loxitane

Loxitane

     * Generic Name: loxapine
     * Brand Name: Loxitane


     * What is loxapine (Loxitane)?
     * What are the possible side effects of loxapine (Loxitane)?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       loxapine (Loxitane)?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       loxapine (Loxitane)?
     * How should I take loxapine (Loxitane)?
     * What happens if I miss a dose (Loxitane)?
     * What happens if I overdose (Loxitane)?
     * What should I avoid while taking loxapine (Loxitane)?
     * What other drugs will affect loxapine (Loxitane)?
     * Where can I get more information (Loxitane)?

What is loxapine (Loxitane)?

   Loxapine is an antipsychotic medication. It affects the actions
   of chemicals in your brain.

   Loxapine is used to treat schizophrenia.

   Loxapine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
   guide.

What are the possible side effects of loxapine (Loxitane)?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
   hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
   throat.

   High doses or long-term use of loxapine can cause a serious movement
   disorder that may not be reversible. Symptoms of this disorder include
   uncontrollable muscle movements of your lips, tongue, eyes, face, arms,
   or legs. The longer you take loxapine, the more likely you are to
   develop a serious movement disorder. The risk of this side effect is
   higher in women and older adults.

   Stop using loxapine and call your doctor at once if you have:
     * fast heart rate;
     * a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
     * confusion, slurred speech;
     * seizure (convulsions);
     * sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, sore throat,
       cough, cold or flu symptoms;
     * little or no urinating;
     * severe constipation; or
     * severe nervous system reaction--very stiff (rigid) muscles, high
       fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors,
       feeling like you might pass out.

   Common side effects may include:
     * dizziness, problems with balance or walking;
     * swelling in your face;
     * itching or rash;
     * tremors, muscle twitching or stiffness;
     * numbness, weakness;
     * blurred vision;
     * feeling restless or agitated;
     * nausea, vomiting, constipation;
     * dry mouth, stuffy nose; or
     * sleep problems (insomnia).

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about loxapine
(Loxitane)?

   You should not use loxapine if you have decreased alertness caused by
   taking certain medications or drinking alcohol.

   Loxapine is not approved for use in psychotic conditions related to
   dementia. Loxapine may increase the risk of death in older adults
   with dementia-related conditions.

   Loxitane Patient Information including How Should I Take
   Schizophrenia: Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

   Schizophrenia Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the Schizophrenia Quiz

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking loxapine
(Loxitane)?

   You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to loxapine or
   amoxapine, or if you have decreased alertness caused by taking
   certain medications or drinking alcohol.

   Loxapine is not approved for use in psychotic conditions related to
   dementia. Loxapine may increase the risk of death in older adults with
   dementia-related conditions.

   To make sure loxapine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
     * epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
     * a history of low white blood cell (WBC) counts;
     * glaucoma;
     * urination problems;
     * blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines);
     * Parkinson's disease;
     * heart disease; or
     * a history of breast cancer.

   Taking antipsychotic medication during the last 3 months of pregnancy
   may cause problems in the newborn, such as withdrawal symptoms,
   breathing problems, feeding problems, fussiness, tremors, and limp or
   stiff muscles. However, you may have withdrawal symptoms or other
   problems if you stop taking your medicine during pregnancy. If you
   become pregnant while taking loxapine, do not stop taking it without
   your doctor's advice.

   It is not known whether loxapine passes into breast milk or if it could
   harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take loxapine (Loxitane)?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may
   occasionally change your dose. Do not take this medicine in larger or
   smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

   You may not start feeling better right away when you start taking
   loxapine. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they
   get worse while using loxapine.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

   Loxitane Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   Schizophrenia: Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

   Schizophrenia Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the Schizophrenia Quiz

What happens if I miss a dose (Loxitane)?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
   it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
   medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Loxitane)?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222.

   Overdose symptoms may include weak or shallow breathing, fainting,
   or seizure (convulsions).

What should I avoid while taking loxapine (Loxitane)?

   Loxapine may impair your thinking or reactions. Avoid driving or
   operating machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.
   Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may
   feel dizzy. Dizziness or severe drowsiness can cause falls, fractures,
   or other injuries.

   Avoid drinking alcohol. Dangerous side effects could occur.

   Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot
   weather. Loxapine can decrease perspiration and you may be more
   prone to heat stroke.

What other drugs will affect loxapine (Loxitane)?

   Taking loxapine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your
   breathing can cause dangerous or life-threatening side effects. Ask
   your doctor before taking a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine,
   prescription cough medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety,
   depression, or seizures.

   Other drugs may interact with loxapine, including prescription and
   over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of
   your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any
   medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information (Loxitane)?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about loxapine.
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