$Unique_ID{BRK03349} $Pretitle{} $Title{thiothixene} $Subject{Navane Roerig Antipsychotic thiothixene mental illness emotional psychosis} $Volume{} $Log{} Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd. thiothixene ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers) Navane (Roerig) thiothixene (various manufacturers) TYPE OF DRUG Antipsychotic INGREDIENT thiothixene DOSAGE FORMS Capsules (1 mg, 2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg) Oral concentrate (5 mg per ml, with 7% alcohol) STORAGE Thiothixene capsules should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed, light-resistant container. The oral concentrate should be stored in the refrigerator in a tightly closed, light-resistant container. This medication should never be frozen. Discard any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. USES Thiothixene is prescribed to treat the symptoms of certain types of mental illness, such as emotional symptoms of psychosis. TREATMENT To avoid stomach irritation, you can take the capsule form of thiothixene with a meal or with a glass of water or milk (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). The oral concentrate form of this medication should be measured carefully with the dropper provided and then added to eight ounces of water, milk, or a carbonated beverage, or to applesauce or pudding immediately prior to administration. To prevent possible loss of effectiveness, this medication should not be diluted in tea, coffee, or apple juice. Antacids and antidiarrheal medicines decrease the absorption of this medication from the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, at least one hour should separate doses of one of these medicines and thiothixene. If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as possible and then return to your regular dosing schedule. If it is almost time for the next dose, however, skip the one you missed and return to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose (unless so directed by your doctor). The full effects of this medication for the control of emotional or mental symptoms may not become apparent for at least two weeks after you start to take it. SIDE EFFECTS Minor. Blurred vision, constipation, decreased sweating, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue, jitteriness, menstrual irregularities, nasal congestion, restlessness, vomiting, or weight gain. As your body adjusts to the medication, these side effects should disappear. This medication can cause increased sensitivity to sunlight. It is, therefore, important to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and sunlamps. Wear protective clothing, and use an effective sunscreen. Thiothixene can cause discoloration of the urine to red, pink, or red-brown. This is a harmless effect. If you are constipated, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). To reduce mouth dryness, chew sugarless gum or suck on ice chips or a piece of hard candy. To avoid dizziness or light-headedness when you stand, contract and relax the muscles of your legs for a few moments before rising. Do this by pushing one foot against the floor while raising the other foot slightly, alternating feet so that you are "pumping" your legs in a pedaling motion. Major. Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about breast enlargement (in both sexes); chest pain; convulsions; darkened skin; difficulty in swallowing or breathing; drooling; fainting; fever; impotence; involuntary movements of the face, mouth, jaw, or tongue; palpitations; rash; sleep disorders; sore throat; tremors; uncoordinated movements; unusual bleeding or bruising; visual disturbances; or yellowing of the eyes or skin. INTERACTIONS Thiothixene interacts with other types of medications: 1. It can cause extreme drowsiness when combined with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants (drugs that slow the activity of the brain and spinal cord), such as barbiturates, benzodiazepine tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, narcotics, and pain medications, or with tricyclic antidepressants. 2. Thiothixene can decrease the effectiveness of amphetamines, guanethidine, anticonvulsants, and levodopa. 3. The side effects of epinephrine, monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, and tricyclic antidepressants may be increased by this medication. At least 14 days should separate the use of this drug and the use of an MAO inhibitor. 4. Lithium may increase the side effects and decrease the effectiveness of thiothixene. 5. False-positive pregnancy tests may occur. If you think you may be pregnant, call your doctor. BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed above. WARNINGS * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to any medications, especially to thiothixene, chlorprothixene, or any phenothiazine tranquilizer. * Tell your doctor if you have a history of alcoholism or if you now have or have ever had blood disease, bone marrow disease, brain disease, breast cancer, blockage in the urinary or digestive tract, drug-induced depression, epilepsy, high or low blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, glaucoma, heart or circulatory disease, liver disease, lung disease, Parkinson's disease, peptic ulcers, or enlarged prostate gland. * Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while taking this medication, in order to prevent oversedation. * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy, do not take part in any activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating potentially dangerous machinery. * Prior to having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be sure to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication. * Some of the side effects caused by this drug can be prevented by taking an antiparkinsonism drug. Discuss this with your doctor. * This medication can decrease sweating and heat release from the body. You should, therefore, try not to become overheated (avoid exercising strenuously in hot weather, and do not take hot baths, showers, and saunas). * Do not stop taking this medication suddenly. If the drug is stopped abruptly you may experience nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, headache, increased heart rate, insomnia, tremors, or worsening of your condition. Your doctor may want to reduce the dosage gradually. * If you are planning to have a myelogram, or any other procedure in which dye is injected into the space surrounding the spinal cord, tell your doctor that you are taking this medication. * Avoid spilling the oral concentrate form of this medication on your skin or clothing; it can cause redness and irritation of the skin. * While taking this medication, do not take any over-the-counter (nonprescription) medications for weight control or for cough, cold, allergy, asthma, or sinus problems unless you first check with your doctor. The combination of these medications may cause high blood pressure. * Your doctor may schedule regular office visits during your first few months of therapy with this medication in order to monitor your progress. * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Small amounts of this medication cross the placenta. Although there are reports of safe use of this drug during pregnancy, there are also reports of liver disease and tremors in newborn infants whose mothers received this type of medication close to term. Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. Small amounts of this medication pass into breast milk and may cause unwanted effects in nursing infants. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.