Have you also been prescribed Thiothixene injection? (Thiothixene Injection) - Let's be aware of this

Sometimes when we or a loved one has a mental health condition, our doctor prescribes various treatments. Thiothixene is one such drug, especially one that is used to treat conditions like schizophrenia . When you hear the name of this drug, you may have a lot of questions in your mind. You may be thinking things like, "What does this do?", "Is this safe?", "What are the side effects?" Don't worry, we will talk about all of that simply and clearly today.

What exactly is this vaccine called Thiothixene?

Simply put, Thiothixene is a medication used to treat schizophrenia , a mental illness. In this condition, a person has difficulty controlling their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a normal way. This medication works by balancing the activity of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain and helping to control symptoms. This medication is also available in the market under the brand name Navane. But remember, doctors may prescribe this medication for other conditions as well. Therefore, it is best to talk to your doctor to find out exactly what is wrong with your condition.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

Before giving you Thiothixene, your doctor should be aware of your complete health history. This medicine may not be compatible with some medical conditions. Therefore, if you have any of the following, be sure to tell your doctor .

• If you have dementia .
• If you have diabetes .
• If you have difficulty swallowing food or liquids.
• If you have glaucoma, a condition in which the pressure in the eyes is high.
• If you have difficulty controlling your muscles or have a condition such as Parkinson's disease .
• If you have heart disease .
• If you are a frequent drinker .
• If you have liver disease .
• If there is a deficiency in blood components, such as a decrease in white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets.
• If seizures occur.
• If you have difficulty urinating.
• If you have previously had an allergy to Thiothixene or any other medicine, food, dye, or preservative.
• If you are pregnant or hoping to become pregnant .
• If you are a mother who is breastfeeding a child .

How is this vaccine used?

This is not a medicine you can take home. Thiothixene injection is an injection into a muscle . Therefore, it must be given to you by a trained health care professional in a hospital or clinic.

Do you give this to young children?

Generally, this medicine can be prescribed to children over 12 years of age for specific medical conditions at the discretion of the doctor. However, it is done with great caution and under special instructions. Therefore, if you are giving this medicine to your child, talk to your doctor carefully and find out the details.

What to do if you take too much medicine?

This is unlikely to happen as it is given in a hospital setting. However, if you suspect that you have overdosed, contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately. Or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Unit (ETU) immediately.

Things not to use with Thiothixene (Interactions)

Some medications can interact with Thiothixene and cause unwanted problems. Therefore, it is essential to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (including vitamins and traditional medicines).

Do not take this medicine with:

• Metoclopramide (a medicine for vomiting and nausea)

Problems can also occur with these things:

• Alcohol
• Medicines for colds, coughs, or allergies (Antihistamines)
• Medication for anxiety or sleep
• Some medications for depression (e.g. Amitriptyline, Fluoxetine)
• Blood pressure medication
• Medicine for seizures
• Medications for Parkinson's disease (e.g. Levodopa)
• Lithium
• Medicines used for anesthesia and muscle relaxation during surgery
• Narcotic medicines for severe pain
• Other medications such as Atropine, Dicyclomine, Scopolamine.

This list is not complete, so please inform your doctor about any medications you are taking.

Things to keep in mind when taking medication

Your condition will be monitored by your doctors while you are taking this medicine. Also, be aware of these things.

• Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy. Therefore, do not do anything that requires alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know exactly how this medicine affects you.. Especially if you are elderly, avoid getting up suddenly from standing or sitting. Otherwise, you may feel dizzy and fall.
• Sun sensitivity: This medication may make your skin more sensitive to the sun. So avoid going out in the sun as much as possible. If you must go out, wear clothing that covers your skin and use sunscreen .
• Body temperature control: This medicine may change the way your body responds to cold and heat. Wear warm clothes in very cold weather. Also, avoid excessive heat and exercise. Drink plenty of water . If you feel like you can't control your body temperature, call your doctor immediately.
• Dry mouth: Dry mouth is common. You can manage this by chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on a lollipop, and drinking plenty of water.

Side effects that may occur due to medication

Like any medicine, Thiothixene injection can cause some side effects. Some of these are serious, some are not so serious.