Studies have shown that older adults with dementia (a brain disorder that affects the ability to remember, think clearly, communicate, and perform daily activities and that may cause changes in mood and personality) who take antipsychotics (medications for mental illness) such as thiothixene have an increased chance of death during treatment.
Thiothixene is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of behavior problems in older adults with dementia. Talk to the doctor who prescribed this medication if you, a family member, or someone you care for has dementia and is taking thiothixene. For more information, visit the FDA website: http://www.fda.gov/Drugs
Thiothixene is used to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia (a mental illness that causes disturbed or unusual thinking, loss of interest in life, and strong or inappropriate emotions). Thiothixene is in a group of medications called conventional antipsychotics. It works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain.
Thiothixene comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken one to three times a day. Take thiothixene at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take thiothixene exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of thiothixene and gradually increase your dose.
Thiothixene may help control your condition but will not cure it. Continue to take thiothixene even if you feel well. Do not stop taking thiothixene without talking to your doctor.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
drowsiness
dizziness
lightheadedness
blurred vision
dry mouth
excess saliva
stuffed nose
nausea
vomiting
constipation
diarrhea
changes in appetite
excessive thirst
weight gain
widening or narrowing of the pupils (black circles in the middle of the eyes)
blank facial expression
shuffling walk
unusual, slowed, or uncontrollable movements of any part of the body
restlessness
agitation
difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
swelling of the arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
breast enlargement
breast milk production
missed or irregular menstrual periods
decreased sexual ability in men
weakness
fever
muscle stiffness
confusion
fast or irregular heartbeat
sweating
neck cramps
tongue that sticks out of the mouth
tightness in the throat
difficulty breathing or swallowing
fine, worm-like tongue movements
uncontrollable, rhythmic face, mouth, or jaw movements
seizures
rash
hives
itching
vision loss, especially at night
seeing everything with a brown tint
Thiothixene may cause other side effects. Tell your doctor if you have any unusual problems during your treatment with thiothixene.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
muscle twitching
drowsiness
dizziness
tightness of the neck muscles
uncontrollable movements of a part of the body
excess saliva
difficulty swallowing
difficulty walking
coma (loss of consciousness for a period of time)
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Thiothixene may interfere with the results of home pregnancy tests. Talk to your doctor if you think you might be pregnant during your treatment with thiothixene. Do not try to test for pregnancy at home.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Last Revised - 05/16/2011
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.