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 Loxapac IM (Loxapine).
Blood Clots: Loxapac IM (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 Loxapac IM (Loxapine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Loxapac IM (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: Loxapac IM (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: Loxapac IM (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 Loxapac IM (Loxapine) affects you. Alcohol and other sedating drugs can make you even less alert when used at the same time as Loxapac IM (Loxapine).
Glaucoma: Loxapac IM (Loxapine) can cause the symptoms of glaucoma to become worse. If you have glaucoma, discuss with your doctor how Loxapac IM (Loxapine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Loxapac IM (Loxapine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Heart disease: Loxapac IM (Loxapine) can cause increased heart rate and severely Low Blood Pressure. If you have any heart conditions, discuss with your doctor how Loxapac IM (Loxapine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Loxapac IM (Loxapine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Loxapac IM (Loxapine) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Loxapac IM (Loxapine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Loxapac IM (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 Loxapac IM (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): Loxapac IM (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: Loxapac IM (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 Loxapac IM (Loxapine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Loxapac IM (Loxapine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Stopping the medication: If Loxapac IM (Loxapine) needs to be stopped, it should be done gradually, under the supervision of your doctor. Suddenly stopping Loxapac IM (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 Loxapac IM (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 Loxapac IM (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: Loxapac IM (Loxapine) can cause urinary problems, such as difficulty urinating, to become worse. If you have urinary problems, discuss with your doctor how Loxapac IM (Loxapine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Loxapac IM (Loxapine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Pregnancy: Loxapac IM (Loxapine) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Loxapac IM (Loxapine), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Loxapac IM (Loxapine) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Loxapac IM (Loxapine), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Loxapac IM (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 Loxapac IM (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 Loxapac IM (Loxapine).
There may be a higher risk of strokes, heart attacks, and deaths associated with the use of Loxapac IM (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). Loxapac IM (Loxapine) should not be used in seniors with dementia.