Side Effects

If you experience serious or severe side effects from Loxitane, you should call your doctor. Alcoholic beverages may increase the number and severity of this drug’s side effects. Serious side effects may include:

• Confusion
• Seizures
• Irregular or fast heartbeat
• Sweating
• Tightness in throat or neck; difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Mouth or tongue problems, including uncontrollable movements of the mouth, face, or jaw; a tongue that protrudes from the mouth, or unusual tongue movements
• Vision problems, particularly in low or dim lighting
• Neck cramps
• Fever, sweating, or muscle stiffness

Less serious side effects may include:

• Drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, faintness, or weakness
• Problems with sleeping, including falling asleep and staying asleep
• Weight gain or loss
• Stomach and digestive system upset, including constipation, nausea, and vomiting
• Dry mouth, increased saliva, and extreme thirst
• Restlessness or agitation
• Drooping eyelids, slurred speech, blank facial expression, or shuffling walk
• Hair loss, rash, or itching
• Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
• Breast enlargement, breast milk production, and missed menstrual periods
• Decreased sexual ability in men
• Difficulty urinating

Precautions

Let your doctor know if you are allergic to loxapine. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include difficulty breathing, breaking out in hives, and swelling of the throat, lips, tongue, and face. Seek urgent medical help if you display any allergic reactions to this drug.

Elderly people experiencing signs of dementia should not take Loxitane as it may increase the risk of death. If you have ever been diagnosed with glaucoma, low white blood cell count, seizures, breast cancer, Parkinson’s disease, or heart disease, you should talk to your doctor before you start to take this drug. You should also mention current or past urinary issues, and any serious reactions you may have had to other similar medications. This drug may interact with other medications, so check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other prescription drugs or supplements.

Tardive dyskinesia, a serious movement condition which may affect the arms, legs, face, eyes, lips, and tongue, may develop from long-term use or high doses of this medication. Women and elderly people are more likely to experience this condition. Tardive dyskinesia may not be reversible.

Safety Considerations

As with most antipsychotic drugs, Loxitane carries with it several significant risk and hazards. Instructions from your doctor and/or pharmacist should include the following important details:

• This drug may cause problems in infants following delivery if it is taken during pregnancy. At present, it is not known if loxapine is able to pass into breast milk, but it is recommended you do not breastfeed if you are taking this medication. If you are pregnant or become pregnant while taking Loxitane, you should talk to your doctor about possible alternative treatments for your condition. Do not stop taking this drug without first consulting your doctor.
• Avoid driving, using heavy machinery or engaging in potentially dangerous activities that require alertness. This medication may inhibit fast reactions and thinking ability.
• Drink plenty of water to avoid becoming dehydrated or overheated, especially on a hot day or when exercising. This drug may decrease perspiration and increase the possibility of a heat-related injury.
• This medication may cause lightheadedness or fainting when getting up from a sitting position or after lying down. Stand up very slowly to minimize dizziness.
• The exact amount of Loxitane needed each day will vary by individual, so you should only take the amount of medication that has been prescribed by your doctor for you. Take this medication on schedule each day, whether you feel like you need it or not.
• Your surgeon or anesthesiologist needs to know that you are taking Loxitane if you plan to have any type of surgery, including oral surgery.
• Avoid drinking alcohol as it may worsen the side effects of this medication.