Chemical Name:  Loxapine Succinate

Trade Name:  Loxitane

Manufacture:  Watson Laboratories, Inc.

Description:  A tranquilizer of unknown mechanism.  

Indication:  Loxitane is used for the management of the manifestations of psychotic disorders.

Contraindication, Warnings, and Precautions:  Loxitane is contraindicated in comatose or severe drug induced depressed states.  Tardive dyskinesia is a potentially irreversible involuntary movement that may develop.  The highest prevalence appears to occur in the elderly, especially women.  There is no known treatment, although the syndrome may remit if antipsychotic treatment is withdrawn.  The potentially fatal symptom complex of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome   (N.M.S.) has been reported in association with antipsychotic drugs.  Signs of N.M.S. may include hyperpyrexia, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, irregular pulse or blood pressure, tachycardia, sweating, and cardiac dysrhythmia.  Loxitane, like other tranquilizers may impair mental and/or motor abilities.  Loxitane should not be used with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants.  Loxitane should be used with extreme caution in patients with a history of convulsive disorder because it lowers the convulsive threshold.  Seizures have been reported in patients receiving Loxitane at antipsychotic dose levels.  Loxitane should be used cautiously in patients with cardiovascular disease.  Safety of Loxitane use during pregnancy or breastfeeding has not been established.

Adverse Reactions:  Possible common side effects may include sedation, blurred vision, dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, mild photosensitivity, and extrapyramidal reactions.  Other side effects may include confusion, dizziness, orthostatic hypotension, nausea, vomiting, and menstrual irregularities.

Dosing:  Usually in divided doses, 2 - 4 times a day.  Initial dose may be 10 mg twice daily and adjusted depending in the patient's needs and severity of symptoms.  Maximum dose is 250 mg per day.  The usual maintence dose is 60 - 100 mg daily.

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© 2000 Red Oak Psychiatry Associates, P.A.    Updated 11/26/2007