Generic Loxitane

What is Loxitane (loxapine)?

Loxapine is an antipsychotic medication. It works by changing the actions of chemicals in your brain.

Loxapine is used to treat the symptoms of psychotic conditions, including hallucinations, delusions, and confusion.

Loxapine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

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

Call your doctor immediately if you experience uncontrollable movements of the mouth, tongue, cheeks, jaw, arms, or legs. Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.

Loxapine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

Dizziness may be more likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly to prevent dizziness and a possible fall.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking loxapine.

Avoid becoming overheated during loxapine therapy. It is easier to become dangerously dehydrated while you are taking loxapine. Use caution in hot weather and during exercise.

Who should not take Loxitane (loxapine)?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

• liver disease or other problems with your liver;
• kidney disease;
• heart disease or other heart problems such as high blood pressure, a previous heart attack, or irregular heartbeats;
• seizures or epilepsy;
• an enlarged prostate or difficulty urinating; or
• glaucoma.

You may not be able to take loxapine, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

It is not known whether loxapine will harm an unborn baby. Do not take loxapine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or if you are planning a pregnancy. It is also not known whether loxapine passes into breast milk. Do not take loxapine if you are breast-feeding a baby without the approval of your doctor.

How should I take Loxitane (loxapine)?

Take loxapine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Loxapine can be taken with or without food.

Mix the concentrate as directed with orange or grapefruit juice just before it is time for a dose.

Loxapine is usually taken several times a day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Do not stop taking loxapine without the approval of your doctor. It may be several weeks before you begin to feel better, and you may require continuous treatment for quite some time. Talk to your doctor before you stop taking this medication. Store loxapine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a loxapine overdose include drowsiness, slurred speech, agitation, restlessness, convulsions, fever, an irregular heartbeat, coma, and death.

What should I avoid while taking Loxitane (loxapine)?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Loxapine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

Dizziness may be more likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly to prevent dizziness and a possible fall.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking loxapine.

Avoid becoming overheated during loxapine therapy. It is easier to become dangerously dehydrated while you are taking loxapine. Use caution in hot weather and during exercise.

Loxitane (loxapine) side effects

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking loxapine and seek emergency medical attention:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
• uncontrollable movements of the mouth, tongue, cheeks,jaw, arms, or legs; or
• yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take loxapine and talk to your doctor if you experience

• dizziness or drowsiness,
• headache,
• weakness or tremor (shaking),
• agitation,
• an increased heart rate,
• constipation,
• dry mouth, or
• weight gain.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Loxitane (loxapine)?

Loxapine may increase the side effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (medicines that treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, muscle relaxants, and any other drug that makes you feel sleepy or relaxed. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking and do not take any medicine unless your doctor approves.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with loxapine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.