Loxapine Side Effects

Severe Side Effects of Loxapine

Loxapine may cause or worsen jaundice and hepatitis.
Cardiac death and lethal infections have resulted from some elderly dementia patients taking Loxapine. Please see black box warning.
Loxapine may lower white blood cell count to dangerous levels in some patients. This increases the risk for severe infections.
An overdose of Loxapine may cause lethal respiratory depression.
Loxapine has caused paralytic ileus or an intestinal blockage in some patients.

Common Side Effects of Loxapine

Nervous system side effects include dizzy feelings, muscle spasms, difficulty sleeping, seizures, and increased agitation.
Upset stomach, vomiting, swelling, and difficulty urinating may also occur while taking Loxapine.

Warnings & Recalls for Loxapine

Black Box Warning for Loxapine

Loxapine and other antipsychotics may be fatal for elderly dementia patients. Cardiovascular related deaths as well as fatal infections have been reported.

Other Warnings for Loxapine

Do not consume alcohol while taking Loxapine.
Loxapine is a pregnancy category class C drug and may be harmful to take while pregnant. In one clinical study, some neonates showed increased agitation, nervous system damage, and respiratory problems.
Tardive Dyskinesia, which can cause uncontrollable body movements and spasms, may occur in patients who take antipsychotics for extended periods of time.
Loxapine may worsen convulsions in Seizure patients. Caution should be observed.
Loxapine may be dangerous for patients with heart disease and cardiovascular related illnesses.
Glaucoma patients should observe caution while taking Loxapine.
Loxapine should not be taken with Lorazepam. Severe respiratory problems may result from this mixture.

Loxapine Recalls

On April 17th, 2012, Watson Laboratories recalled many lots of Loxapine due to incorrect packaging information. Please refer to the FDA Enforcement Report to see recalled lots.

Loxapine Treatment and Use

Loxapine | Loxitane is a common antipsychotic drug often prescribed to schizophrenic patients. The brand name Loxitane was originally manufactured by Watson Pharmaceuticals in 1975. Watson continues to manufacture a large amount of Loxapine.

What does Loxapine do?

Loxapine works to inhibit certain brain activity and causes a sedative effect which helps to calm the patient and decreases aggressive behavior.

Dosage

The initial dosage for Loxapine is 10 mg two times per day. The usual maintenance dosage is 60-100mg daily in divided doses. Depending on the severity of illness and response to the initial dosage, up to 250 mg may be taken daily in divided doses. Loxapine comes in 5mg, 10 mg, 25 mg, and 50 mg capsules.