Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Apo Loxapine.
Blood Clots: Apo Loxapine may increase the chance of blood clot formation, causing reduction of blood flow to organs or the extremities.
If you have a history of clotting you may be at increased risk of experiencing blood clot-related problems such as Heart Attack, stroke, or clots in the deep veins of your leg. Discuss with your doctor how Apo Loxapine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Apo Loxapine, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience symptoms such as sharp pain and swelling in the leg, difficulty breathing, chest pain, blurred vision, or difficulty speaking, contact your doctor immediately.
Blood counts: Apo Loxapine can decrease the number of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection), red blood cells (which carry oxygen), and platelets (which help your blood to clot). Your doctor will do blood tests to monitor this. If you notice any signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, or sore throat) or unusual bleeding or bruising, contact your doctor immediately.
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Loxapine may impair mental or physical abilities, especially during the first few days of treatment. Avoid activities requiring alertness (e.g., operating vehicles or machinery) until you know how Apo Loxapine affects you. Alcohol and other sedating drugs can make you even less alert when used at the same time as Apo Loxapine.
Glaucoma: Loxapine can cause the symptoms of glaucoma to become worse. If you have glaucoma, discuss with your doctor how Apo Loxapine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Apo Loxapine, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Heart disease: Loxapine can cause increased heart rate and severely Low Blood Pressure. If you have any heart conditions, discuss with your doctor how Apo Loxapine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Apo Loxapine, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Apo Loxapine to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Apo Loxapine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Apo Loxapine, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Apo Loxapine.
If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): Loxapine, like other antipsychotic medications, can cause a potentially fatal syndrome known as neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). If you notice the symptoms of NMS such as high fever, muscle stiffness, confusion or loss of consciousness, sweating, racing or irregular heartbeat, or fainting, get immediate medical attention.
Seizures: Loxapine may increase the risk of seizures. If you have a history of Epilepsy or medical conditions that increase the risk of seizures, discuss with your doctor how Apo Loxapine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Apo Loxapine, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Stopping the medication: If Apo Loxapine needs to be stopped, it should be done gradually, under the supervision of your doctor. Suddenly stopping loxapine can cause temporary involuntary movements, which may be of concern to some people.
Sunburn: An exaggerated sunburn reaction may occur for some people taking loxapine. Avoid exposure to excessive sunlight, including sunlamps and tanning beds, and use sunblock with minimum SPF 15. Talk to your doctor if you develop skin redness.
Tardive dyskinesia: A syndrome consisting of potentially irreversible, involuntary movements called tardive dyskinesia may develop in people treated with Apo Loxapine. Although the risk of tardive dyskinesia appears to be highest among seniors, especially senior women, it is impossible to predict at the beginning of treatment who is likely to develop the syndrome. Tell your doctor if you start to experience signs of this syndrome, such as repetitive and involuntary movements of the face, arms, legs, or torso.
Urinary problems: Loxapine can cause urinary problems, such as difficulty urinating, to become worse. If you have urinary problems, discuss with your doctor how Apo Loxapine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Apo Loxapine, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Pregnancy: Apo Loxapine should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Apo Loxapine, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if loxapine passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Apo Loxapine, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Apo Loxapine have not been established for children and adolescents. Its use is not recommended for people under 18 years of age.
Seniors: The safety of using Apo Loxapine has not been established for adults 65 years of age or older. The increased risk of liver, kidney, and heart conditions increases the risk of side effects with the use of loxapine.
There may be a higher risk of strokes, heart attacks, and deaths associated with the use of loxapine by seniors with Dementia. Seek medical attention immediately if you notice the signs and symptoms of a stroke (e.g., sudden weakness or numbness, speech problems, vision problems, dizziness, confusion, sudden severe headache) or a heart attack (e.g., discomfort or pain in the chest, back, neck, jaw, arms; sweating; shortness of breath; nausea; lightheadedness) or infection (e.g., pneumonia). Loxapine should not be used in seniors with dementia.
