Has your doctor prescribed you or someone close to you the drug Loxapine? If so, it's normal for questions to come to your mind as soon as you hear this name. "What disease is this used for?", "Will it cause side effects?", "What should I be careful about when using this?" You may be wondering the same thing. Don't worry, today we will talk about this drug Loxapine in a simple way that you can understand.
What is Loxapine?
Simply put, Loxapine is a medication used to treat mental illnesses such as schizophrenia . It belongs to the class of drugs called ``Antipsychotic''.
Think of our brains as a busy road. Sometimes the traffic is jammed, sometimes it's too fast and accidents happen. Loxapine works by balancing the levels of two neurotransmitters in our brains , dopamine and serotonin . Like a traffic cop, it helps regulate our mood, behavior, and thoughts.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before starting Loxapine, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health. Be sure to tell him/her if you have any of the conditions below.
| Do you have these conditions? | Why is notification important? |
|---|---|
| Dementia condition | This drug may increase the risk of dementia in elderly patients. |
| Diabetes | Blood sugar levels may change. |
| Heart disease or low blood pressure | There may be changes in heart rate or a further decrease in blood pressure. |
| Liver diseases | The process of removing the drug from the body may be affected. |
| Seizures or fits | The risk of having a fit may increase. |
| Parkinson's disease | Parkinson's symptoms may worsen. |
| Glaucoma condition | May cause increased eye pressure. |
| Difficulty urinating | This situation may worsen. |
| Allergy to Loxapine, Amoxapine or other medications or foods | This is essential to prevent serious allergic reactions. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | You should talk to your doctor about the possible effects on the fetus. |
| If the baby is breastfed | You should be aware of the possibility of the drug passing to the baby through breast milk. |
| If you drink alcohol frequently | Taking this medication with alcohol may increase side effects. |
How exactly do you use Loxapine?
This medicine should be used exactly as your doctor has instructed you. Drink it with a glass of water. It is very important to take the correct dose at the correct time. Never take more than your doctor has told you to, or stop taking the medicine suddenly. If you do stop, do so by gradually reducing the dose and following your doctor's instructions.
Important: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give it to anyone else just because they have the same symptoms as you.
What if I overdose?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
When taking Loxapine, you should tell your doctor about any other medications, vitamins, and even herbal products you are taking. Some medications can interact with it and cause problems.
Never take this medicine with:
- Metoclopramide
Problems can also arise with these:
- Alcohol: Excessively increases drowsiness and dizziness.
- Some medicines for allergies, coughs, and colds (Antihistamines).
- Some medications for anxiety, depression, and sleep.
- Medications for Parkinson's disease (e.g. Levodopa).
- Blood pressure medication.
- Medications for epilepsy.
- Medicines given to relax muscles during surgery.
- Some painkillers (narcotic medications).
This list is not complete, so it's best to inform your doctor about all medications you take.
Things to be careful about when taking medication
While taking Loxapine, it's a good idea to pay attention to any changes in your body.
Dizziness and drowsiness
You may feel drowsy and dizzy when you first start taking this medicine. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. If you are an elderly person, stand up slowly when you get up from a sitting position or when you get out of bed. This can reduce the risk of dizziness and falls.
Dry mouth
Dry mouth is a common side effect of this medication. This can be managed by chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on sugar-free candy, and drinking plenty of water throughout the day. If the problem persists, talk to your doctor.
Sun sensitivity
This medicine may make your skin a little more sensitive to the sun. Therefore, avoid direct sunlight as much as possible. If you do go out, wear protective clothing and use a good sunscreen.
Difficulty controlling body temperature
Loxapine can change the way your body responds to cold and heat. This means you may feel cold more quickly in extreme cold and overheat more quickly in extreme heat. Therefore, avoid strenuous exercise and exposure to strong sunlight. Drink plenty of water.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Loxapine can cause side effects. Some of these are serious, while others are common.
| Side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Things to inform your doctor immediately | |
| Severe allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. Seek medical advice immediately. |
| Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome | High fever, muscle stiffness, excessive sweating, fast or irregular heartbeat, and confusion. This is an emergency. |
| Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS) | Symptoms include uncontrollable movements, muscle stiffness, tremors, restlessness, and dragging feet when walking. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat. |
| Other serious symptoms | Seizures, sudden eye pain or vision changes, difficulty urinating. |
| If it persists or is bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Common side effects | Drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, headache, weight gain. |
Take-Home Message
- Loxapine is a medication that should be used only under the advice of a doctor, in the prescribed dosage, and at the prescribed time.
- It is essential to inform your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.
- Avoid alcohol completely while taking the medication.
- Even if you feel better, do not stop taking the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
- If you notice any signs of a serious side effect (e.g. high fever, confusion, uncontrollable movements), seek medical advice immediately.
- If you have any further questions about this medication, never be afraid to ask your doctor.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 What disease is Loxapine / Loxitane tablets/vaccine used for?
This is an extremely powerful drug of the older generation (Typical antipsychotic) designed to control 'Schizophrenia' and severe (Bipolar) psychosis! It is often used in hospitals (inhaled like a cigar/inhaler powder/Adasuve) to calm the patient down in 10 minutes when a patient is convulsing/violently breaking the hospital like crazy (Acute Agitation).
💬 How does this powerful drug (Loxapine) reach the brain and make the patient numb like a stone?
One of the main reasons for the development of severe mental illness/violence is the excessive increase in the chemicals 'Dopamine' and 'Serotonin' in the brain! This drug blocks/closes the dopamine receptors (D2/5-HT2A blockade) 100% as soon as it reaches the brain. It eliminates the crazy thoughts in the mind and calms the patient to the point where he cannot even move his leg/arm.
💬 What is the fatal risk (Black Box Warning) associated with the loxapine inhalation drug (Adasuve)?
The biggest danger is not to the heart, but to the lungs (Bronchospasm)! When inhaled, even a completely healthy person can suddenly have their lungs/breathing tubes blocked, unable to breathe, and die like a stone. It is so deadly that it is forbidden to give this to anyone with asthma (Asthma/COPD)! There is also a risk of severe (EPS/Tardive Dyskinesia) tremors in the legs and hands.
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