LOXAPINE

Loxapine Succinate 10mg, Oral capsule

Alcohol

· Severity: Major

· Notes for Consumers: Avoid alcohol-containing drinks while taking this medicine. Using this drug along with alcohol can lead to serious side effects. You may feel drowsy or more tired when taking these drugs together. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you, and especially if you are drinking alcohol-containing beverages. If you notice slurred speech, confusion, severe weakness, or difficulty breathing, contact your health care provider immediately.

· Notes for Professionals: Alcohol is associated with CNS depression. The combined use of alcohol and CNS depressants can lead to additive CNS depression, which could be dangerous in tasks requiring mental alertness and fatal in overdose. Alcohol taken with other CNS depressants can lead to additive respiratory depression, hypotension, profound sedation, or coma. Consider the patient's use of alcohol or illicit drugs when prescribing CNS depressant medications. In many cases, the patient should receive a lower dose of the CNS depressant initially if the patient is not likely to be compliant with avoiding alcohol.

Loxapine Succinate 10mg, Oral capsule

Marijuana

· Severity: Major

· Notes for Consumers: Avoid combining Loxapine and marijuana. This combination may cause your condition to get worse. Marijuana may also decrease the efficacy of Loxapine, making it not work as well for you. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this combination will affect you. Contact your health care provider right away if you notice unusual changes in moods or behaviors of any type.

· Notes for Professionals: It is recommended that patients avoid the use of marijuana, by any route, if they are treated for a psychiatric history, including psychosis and bipolar disorder, as the cannabinoids (the psychoactive ingredients, such as THC) in marijuana can produce psychotoxic effects and may exacerbate psychiatric disorders. A high frequency of use and use of products with high-potency of THC are potential risk factors for psychiatric effects. Additionally, additive CNS effects, such as sedation or CNS depression are possible. Clinical studies suggest that cannabis use may reduce the efficacy of some antipsychotic drugs. In addition, several cannabinoids in marijuana appear to influence the activity of CYP enzymes and P-glycoprotein, which may alter the concentrations of antipsychotics and influence either safety or efficacy.

Loxapine Succinate 10mg, Oral capsule

Tobacco

· Severity: Mild

· Notes for Consumers: While rarely reported, Tobacco smoke may decrease the effectiveness of Loxapine by increasing the elimination of Loxapine from the body. If you smoke tobacco, notify your prescriber if you experience changes in mood (like agitation or hearing or seeing things that are not really there) that may indicate that Loxapine is not working as well for you. If you suddenly stop smoking tobacco, this may increase the actions of Loxapine; notify your prescriber if you notice increased drowsiness, dizziness, or other unusual side effects.

· Notes for Professionals: Tobacco smoke contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that induce hepatic CYP450 microsomal enzymes; there is some evidence to suggest that tobacco smoke accelerates the metabolism of various antipsychotics, many of which are extensively metabolized. Because the effect on hepatic microsomal enzymes is not related to the nicotine component of tobacco, the sudden cessation of tobacco smoking may result in a reduced clearance of this antipsychotic, despite the initiation of a nicotine replacement product. Monitor patients carefully when changes in smoking status occur. Per the manufacturer, there are no clinically significant differences in loxapine inhalation kinetics based upon smoking status.

<b>DISCLAIMER:</b><em> This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment. Drug information is sourced from GSDD (Gold Standard Drug Database ) provided by Elsevier.</em>