Thiothixene

Thiothixene is an antipsychotic medicine that treats schizophrenia.

Thiothixene may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

You may not start feeling better right away when you start taking thiothixene. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve during treatment.

You will need frequent medical tests.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

You should not use thiothixene if you have a blood cell disorder, or if you have drowsiness, slow breathing, weak pulse, or decreased alertness (such as after drinking alcohol or taking medicines that make you sleepy).

Thiothixene is not approved for use in older adults with dementia-related psychosis.

You should not use thiothixene if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• a blood cell disorder such as anemia, low white blood cell counts, or low platelets; or
• drowsiness, slow breathing, weak pulse, or decreased alertness (such as after drinking alcohol or taking medicines that make you sleepy).

Thiothixene may increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis and is not approved for this use.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
• heart disease;
• low white blood cell (WBC) counts;
• breast cancer; or
• alcoholism.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you become pregnant. Taking antipsychotic medicine in the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause breathing problems, feeding problems, or withdrawal symptoms in the newborn.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using thiothixene. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Thiothixene is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

High doses or long-term use of thiothixene can cause a serious movement disorder that may not be reversible. The longer you use thiothixene, the more likely you are to develop this disorder, especially if you are a woman or an older adult.

Thiothixene may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement);
• stiffness in your neck, tightness in your throat, trouble breathing or swallowing;
• seizure (convulsions);
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• severe constipation;
• low white blood cell counts--fever, chills, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, trouble breathing; or
• severe nervous system reaction--very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out.

Common side effects of thiothixene may include:

• dry mouth;
• blurred vision;
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation;
• fast heartbeats, feeling restless;
• breast swelling or discharge;
• changes in weight or appetite; or
• swelling in your hands or feet.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Usual Adult Dose for Schizophrenia:

Mild Conditions: -Initial dose: 2 mg orally 3 times a day-Maintenance dose: 15 mg orally per day Severe Conditions:-Initial dose: 5 mg orally 2 times a day-Maintenance dose: 20 to 30 mg orally per day -Maximum dose: 60 mg orally per dayComments:-Dosing should be individually adjusted depending on the chronicity and severity of symptoms.-In general, small doses should be used initially and gradually increased to the optimal effective level based on patient response.-Some patients have been successfully maintained on once-a-day therapy.Use: Schizophrenia

Usual Pediatric Dose for Schizophrenia:

Age 12 years and older:Mild Conditions: -Initial dose: 2 mg orally 3 times a day-Maintenance dose: 15 mg orally per day Severe Conditions:-Initial dose: 5 mg orally 2 times a day-Maintenance dose: 20 to 30 mg orally per day -Maximum dose: 60 mg orally per dayComments:-Dosing should be individually adjusted depending on the chronicity and severity of symptoms.-In general, small doses should be used initially and gradually increased to the optimal effective level based on patient response.-Some patients have been successfully maintained on once-a-day therapy.Use: Schizophrenia

Take the medicine as soon as you remember, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at once.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include drowsiness, dizziness, muscle stiffness or twitching, increased salivation, trouble swallowing, weakness, loss of balance or coordination, and fainting.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how thiothixene will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.

Avoid drinking alcohol. Dangerous side effects could occur.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Thiothixene can decrease sweating and you may be more prone to heat stroke.

Taking thiothixene with other drugs that can make you sleepy or slow your breathing can lead to serious or life-threatening side effects. Consult your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicines for anxiety or seizures.

Other drugs may impact how thiothixene works, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all the medicines you are currently taking and any new medicine you begin or stop using.