Loxapine

Loxapine is a drug that is licensed to treat schizophrenia. Known as a typical antipsychotic, the drug is thought to work by blocking or lessening the effects of dopamine in the brain. It comes in capsule form and is typically taken two to four times a day. Possible side effects include unusual body movements, muscle tension, and overactive reflexes.

Information on Loxapine

What Is Loxapine?

Loxapine (Loxitane^®) is a prescription medicine known as a "typical antipsychotic" that has been licensed to treat schizophrenia.

Side Effects

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with loxapine. However, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.

Possible side effects of loxapine include but are not limited to:

Unusual body movements, including tremors or twitches
Muscle tension or contractions
Feelings of internal restlessness or jitteriness
Overactive reflexes.

(Click Side Effects of Loxapine to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Loxapine?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medicine if you have:

Heart problems
Seizures or epilepsy
Glaucoma
An enlarged prostate (also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH)
Difficulty passing urine
Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.

Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:

Are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant (see Loxitane and Pregnancy)
Are breastfeeding (see Loxitane and Breastfeeding)
Drink alcohol regularly (see Alcohol and Loxitane).

You should also make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

(Click Precautions and Warnings With Loxapine to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)

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