Thiothixene
THIOTHIXENE – ORAL (thigh-oh-THICKS-een)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Navane
USES: This medication is used to treat symptoms of certain types of mental conditions.
HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION: Take with food or milk if stomach upset occurs, unless directed otherwise by your doctor. The liquid concentrate form must be measured carefully and diluted with 4 ounces or more of water, milk, juice, or carbonated beverage. It can be mixed into applesauce or pudding. Do not dilute in coffee, tea, or colas. The drug may lose effectiveness. Take immediately after diluting. This medication must be taken as prescribed. Do not stop taking this drug suddenly without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may worsen if the medication is suddenly stopped.
SIDE EFFECTS: May cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. Use caution performing tasks that require alertness. Other side effects include stomach upset, increased appetite, headache, dry mouth, sweating, sleep disturbances or restlessness. These effects should subside as your body adjusts to the medication. Notify your doctor if you develop chest pain, a rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing, aching muscles and joints, unusual bleeding or bruising, tremors, skin rash or involuntary movements of the face, tongue, or mouth (chewing movements, puckering, twitching tongue), yellow skin or eyes while taking this medication. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have blood disease, alcoholism, glaucoma, heart or blood vessel disease, a history of seizures, Parkinson’s disease, or an enlarged prostate. Tell your doctor if you have had an unusual reaction to chlorprothixene or to any phenothiazine (chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, perphenazine, prochlorperazine, promazine, thioridazine, or trifluoperazine). This drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Small amounts of thiothixene appear in breast milk. Consult with your doctor before breast-feeding. Use of alcohol and other sedative type medications can lead to extreme drowsiness. This medication can increase sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Wear a sunscreen and protective clothing. This medication can reduce sweating making you more susceptible to heat stroke. Avoid strenuous work or exercise in hot weather. Avoid extreme cold also, since your body’s temperature regulation is affected.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor what other medication you take (including nonprescription), especially: Methyldopa; guanethidine; other drugs used for mental conditions; amoxapine; metoclopramide; pemoline; promethazine; antidepressants; drugs that have sedating effects (antihistamines, sedatives, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, narcotic pain medication and muscle relaxants); quinidine; levodopa; guanadrel; reserpine. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include muscle twitching, weakness, tremor, increased salivation, fast heartbeat, fever, difficulty breathing, severe dizziness, drowsiness, seizures, and loss of consciousness.
NOTES: In the treatment of mental or emotional conditions it may take up to two weeks for full effects of this medication to be noticed.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not ‘double-up’ the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Avoid freezing.
