Why is this medication prescribed?

Loxapine is used to treat psychotic disorders and symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and hostility.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?  

Loxapine comes as a capsule and liquid concentrate to take by mouth. It usually is taken two to four times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take loxapine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Continue to take loxapine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking loxapine without talking to your doctor, especially if you have taken large doses for a long time. Your doctor probably will decrease your dose gradually. This drug must be taken regularly for a few weeks before its full effect is felt.

What special precautions should I follow?  

Before taking loxapine,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to loxapine or any other drugs.

• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially antacids, antidepressants, antihistamines, appetite reducers (amphetamines), benztropine (Cogentin), bromocriptine (Parlodel), carbamazepine (Tegretol), dicyclomine (Bentyl), fluoxetine (Prozac), guanethidine (Ismelin), lithium, lorazepam (Ativan), medications for colds, meperidine (Demerol), methyldopa (Aldomet), phenytoin (Dilantin), propranolol (Inderal), sedatives, tetracycline, trihexyphenidyl (Artane), valproic acid (Depakane), and vitamins.

• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had depression; seizures; shock therapy; asthma; emphysema; chronic bronchitis; problems with your urinary system or prostate; glaucoma; history of alcohol abuse; thyroid problems; bad reaction to insulin; problems with your blood pressure; blood disorders; or heart, blood vessel, kidney, liver, or lung disease.

• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking loxapine, call your doctor.

• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.

• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

• plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Loxapine may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?   Return to top

Loxapine may cause an upset stomach. Take loxapine with food or milk.

What should I do if I forget a dose?   

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?  

Loxapine may cause side effects. Your urine may turn pink or reddish-brown; this effect is not harmful. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• drowsiness

• dizziness

• blurred vision

• dry mouth

• upset stomach

• vomiting

• diarrhea

• constipation

• headache

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• tremor

• restlessness or pacing

• fine worm-like tongue movements

• unusual face, mouth, or jaw movements

• slow or difficult speech

• difficulty swallowing

• seizures

• fever

• yellowing of the skin or eyes

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?  

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose  

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know?  

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to loxapine.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand names  

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