$Unique_ID{BRK02154}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{THIOTHIXENE}
$Subject{Navane (Roerig)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


THIOTHIXENE
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BRAND NAME (Manufacturer):
     Navane (Roerig)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Antipsychotic
INGREDIENT:
     thiothixene
DOSAGE FORMS:
     Capsules (1 mg, 2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg)
     Oral concentrate (5 mg per ml, with 7% alcohol)
STORAGE:
     Thiothixene capsules should be stored at room temperature in a tightly
closed, light-resistant container.  The oral concentrate should be stored in
the refrigerator in a tightly closed, light-resistant container.  This
medication should never be frozen.  Discard any medication that is outdated or
no longer needed.

USES

     Thiothixene is prescribed to treat the symptoms of certain types of
mental illness, such as emotional symptoms of psychosis.  It is thought to
relieve the symptoms of mental illness by blocking certain chemicals involved
with nerve transmission in the brain.

TREATMENT

     To avoid stomach irritation, you can take the capsule form of thiothixene
with a meal or with a glass of water or milk (unless your doctor directs you
to do otherwise).
     The oral concentrate form of this medication should be measured carefully
with the dropper provided and then added to four ounces (1/2 cup) or more of
water, milk, or a carbonated beverage or to applesauce or pudding immediately
prior to administration.  To prevent possible loss of effectiveness, this
medication should not be diluted in tea, coffee, or apple juice.
     Antacids and antidiarrheal medicines decrease the absorption of this
medication from the gastrointestinal tract.  Therefore, at least one hour
should separate doses of one of these medicines and thiothixene.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible and then return to your regular dosing schedule.  If it is almost
time for the next dose, however, skip the one you missed and return to your
regular schedule.  Do not double the dose (unless so directed by your doctor).
     The full effects of this medication for the control of emotional or
mental symptoms may not become apparent for at least two weeks after you start
to take it.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Blurred vision, constipation, decreased sweating, diarrhea, dizziness,
drooling, drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue, jitteriness, menstrual
irregularities, nasal congestion, restlessness, vomiting, or weight gain.  As
your body adjusts to the medication, these side effects should disappear.
     This medication can cause increased sensitivity to sunlight.  It is,
therefore, important to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and sunlamps.
Wear protective clothing, and use an effective sunscreen.
     Thiothixene can cause discoloration of the urine to red, pink, or
red-brown.  This is a harmless effect.
     If you are constipated, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and
drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     To reduce mouth dryness, chew sugarless gum or suck on ice chips or a
piece of hard candy.  To avoid dizziness or light-headedness when you stand,
contract and relax the muscles of your legs for a few moments before rising.
Do this by pushing one foot against the floor while raising the other foot
slightly, alternating feet so that you are "pumping" your legs in a pedaling
motion.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
breast enlargement (in both sexes); chest pain; convulsions; darkened skin;
difficulty in swallowing or breathing; fainting; fever; impotence; involuntary
movements of the face, mouth, jaw, or tongue; palpitations; rash; sleep
disorders; sore throat; tremors; uncoordinated movements; unusual bleeding or
bruising; visual disturbances; or yellowing of the eyes or skin.

INTERACTIONS

     Thiothixene interacts with other types of medications:
     1. It can cause extreme drowsiness when combined with alcohol or other
central nervous system depressants (drugs that slow the activity of the brain
and spinal cord), such as barbiturates, benzodiazepine tranquilizers, muscle
relaxants, narcotics, and pain medications, or with tricyclic antidepressants.
     2. Thiothixene can decrease the effectiveness of amphetamines,
guanethidine, anticonvulsants, and levodopa.
     3. The side effects of epinephrine, monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors,
and tricyclic antidepressants may be increased by this medication.  At least
14 days should separate the use of this drug and the use of an MAO inhibitor.
     4. Lithium may increase the side effects and decrease the effectiveness
of thiothixene.
     5. False positive pregnancy tests may occur.  If you think you may be
pregnant, call your doctor.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any of those listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to thiothixene, chlorprothixene, or any
phenothiazine tranquilizer.
     * Tell your doctor if you have a history of alcoholism or if you now have
or have ever had blood disease, bone marrow disease, brain disease, breast
cancer, blockage in the urinary or digestive tract, drug-induced depression,
epilepsy, high or low blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, glaucoma, heart or
circulatory disease, liver disease, lung disease, Parkinson's disease, peptic
ulcers, or an enlarged prostate gland.
     * Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while taking this medication, in
order to prevent oversedation.
     * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy, do not take part in any
activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating
potentially dangerous machinery.  Be careful on stairs, and avoid getting up
suddenly from a lying or sitting position.
     * Prior to having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be
sure to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.
     * Some of the side effects caused by this drug can be prevented by taking
an antiparkinsonism drug.  Discuss this with your doctor.
     * This medication can decrease sweating and heat release from the body.
You should, therefore, try not to become overheated (avoid exercising
strenuously in hot weather, and do not take hot baths, showers, and saunas).
     * Do not stop taking this medication suddenly.  If the drug is stopped
abruptly you may experience nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, headache,
increased heart rate, insomnia, tremors, or worsening of your condition.  Your
doctor may want to reduce the dosage gradually.
     * If you are planning to have a myelogram, or any other procedure in
which dye is injected into the space surrounding the spinal cord, tell your
doctor that you are taking this medication.
     * Avoid spilling the oral concentrate form of this medication on your
skin or clothing; it can cause redness and irritation of the skin.
     * While taking this medication, do not take any over-the-counter
(nonprescription) medication for weight control or for cough, cold, allergy,
asthma, or sinus problems unless you first check with your doctor.  The
combination of these medications may cause high blood pressure.
     * Your doctor may schedule regular office visits during your first few
months of therapy with this medication in order to monitor your progress and
possibly adjust the dosage.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Small amounts of this
medication cross the placenta.  Although there are reports of safe use of this
drug during pregnancy, there are also reports of liver disease and tremors in
newborn infants whose mothers received this type of medication close to term.
Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.  Small amounts of this
medication pass into breast milk and may cause unwanted effects in nursing
infants.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
