Loxapine - Oral

Loxapine is used to treat schizophrenia (long-term mental disorder that causes changes in thoughts, feelings, and behaviour). It helps relieve symptoms common in schizophrenia, such as distorted thinking and emotional instability.

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.

Take this medicine together with food or immediately after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the severity of your condition and your response to the medication.

Loxapine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly as it may worsen your condition.

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 experienced severe drowsiness or impaired concentration caused by taking certain medicines or alcohol, as Loxapine may not be suitable for you.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• heart disease
• disease of the blood vessels supplying the brain
• history of epilepsy (fits or seizures)
• predisposing conditions to fits or seizures e.g. head injury, brain damage, alcoholism
• low blood pressure
• low volume of circulating fluids in the body
• dehydration (excessive water loss from the body)
• paralytic ileus (bowel obstruction caused by slow movement or paralysis of the intestines)
• prostate enlargement
• urinary retention (inability to completely empty the bladder when urinating)
• low white blood cell count
• eye problems e.g. glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)

This medicine is not indicated for the treatment of individuals with mood disorders related to dementia (a group of symptoms affecting thinking, memory, and social abilities).

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Loxapine to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

• Routine tests (e.g. complete blood count, liver and kidney function, blood cholesterol, sugar or electrolyte levels, eye examination) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
• Your blood pressure may fall to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.

What lifestyle changes should I make?

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. Avoid strenuous exercise and activities like going to the sauna. Drink more water to prevent dehydration.

Loxapine may cause drowsiness or dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.

This medicine may cause your blood pressure to fall suddenly when you get up from a sitting or lying down position and you may feel giddy. To minimise this problem, stand up slowly.

Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, constipation, and weight gain or weight loss.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• severe muscle stiffness, muscle weakness, high fever, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, excessive sweating
• tremors, slowed movements, stiffness of the arms and legs, imbalance while walking, and other uncontrollable involuntary movements such as twitching and jerking
• frequent sore throat, mouth sores, fever, chills or sweating
• fits or seizures
• eye pain or irritation, blurred vision, or changes in vision

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:

• other medicines to treat schizophrenia e.g. clozapine
• medicines for anxiety e.g. lorazepam
• medicines to treat depression
• strong painkillers e.g. tramadol
• mefloquine (medicine to treat malaria [a disease characterised by chills, fever and sweating that is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito])

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. Alcohol intake may worsen the dizziness and drowsiness caused by Loxapine.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.