provider image
Welcome! You’re in GoodRx for healthcare professionals. Now, you’ll enjoy a streamlined experience created specifically for healthcare professionals.
Skip to main content

Adasuve

loxapine
Used for Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia
Used for Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia

Adasuve (loxapine) works very quickly (within minutes) to treat anxiety and restlessness (agitation) that occurs with schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder. It's given through an inhaler and must be administered by a trained healthcare provider.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Ashley Wong, PharmD
reviewer
Cydnee Ng, PharmD
Last reviewed on November 29, 2021
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Adasuve (loxapine)?

What is Adasuve (loxapine) used for?

  • Short-term treatment of agitation related to schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder in adults

How Adasuve (loxapine) works

Adasuve (loxapine) is an antipsychotic. It's not exactly clear how the medication treats agitation, but it's thought to regulate dopamine and serotonin levels in your brain. These natural chemicals affect your thoughts and mood.

Are you looking for information on loxapine capsule instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsAdasuve
Drug ClassFirst-generation (typical) antipsychotic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
coupon-save-icon

Get your GoodRx coupon

Avg retail price
$00
GoodRx discount
$157.20
See prices
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Adasuve (loxapine)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Bad taste in your mouth (14%)
  • Sleepiness (12%)
  • Throat irritation (3%)

Other Side Effects

  • Extrapyramidal symptoms (movement problems, such as shakiness, stiffness, and loss of facial expressions)
  • Restless muscles (akathisia)
  • Abnormal muscle contractions (dystonia)
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Low or high blood pressure
  • Sudden drop in blood pressure when you change positions
  • Lightheadedness
  • Fainting

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Breathing problems: Shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, throat swelling, wheezing
  • Serious brain and nerves reaction: High fever, muscle stiffness, confusion, sweating, changes in pulse, heart rate, and blood pressure
  • Seizures

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Blurred vision

confusion

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

seizures

sweating

unusual tiredness or weakness

Rare

Inability to sit still

need to keep moving

restlessness

Incidence not known

Cough

decrease in the frequency of urination

decrease in urine volume

decreased vision

difficulty in passing urine (dribbling)

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

eye pain

fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse

headache

high fever

inability to move the eyes

increased blinking or spasms of the eyelid

increased sweating

loss of balance control

loss of bladder control

mask-like face

nausea or vomiting

nervousness

noisy breathing

painful urination

pounding in the ears

severe muscle stiffness

shuffling walk

slowed movements

slurred speech

sticking out of tongue

tearing of eyes

tic-like (jerky) movements of the head, face, mouth, and neck

tightness in the chest

tiredness

trembling and shaking of the fingers and hands

trouble breathing, speaking, or swallowing

uncontrolled twisting movements of the neck, trunk, arms, or legs

unusual facial expressions

unusually pale skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Change in taste

drowsiness

loss of taste

sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Adasuve (loxapine)

thumbs-up

Pros

Works quickly within 10 minutes

Given at a provider's office, so you'll be closely monitored for side effects

Good option for people who have trouble swallowing pills

thumbs-down

Cons

Must be given at a provider's office

Might not be as widely available, because training and certification are required for providers before they can administer it

Can only be given once in a 24-hour period

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Adasuve (loxapine)

pharmacist

  • Adasuve (loxapine) must be given at a provider's office. The dose is given through an inhaler. Your healthcare provider will show you how to take the medication right before you take it.

    • To take your dose, first, breathe out away from the inhaler in order to empty your lungs. Place the inhaler between your lips and close your lips around it. Inhale with a slow, deep breath, and check that the green light on the inhaler turns off after you inhale. This means that the dose was delivered. Take the inhaler out of your mouth, and hold your breath for as long as you can, up to 10 seconds, then breathe out.

      • Adasuve (loxapine) can cause dizziness and sleepiness. Don't drive or do anything that requires you to concentrate until you know how this medication affects you.

        • Adasuve (loxapine) can cause your blood pressure to drop when you change positions. This can cause falls and fainting. Be very careful when you stand after sitting or lying down.

          • Adasuve (loxapine) can cause constipation, dry mouth, and blurred vision. It can also worsen conditions, such as glaucoma and difficulty urinating. Taking Adasuve (loxapine) with other medications, such as benztropine (Cogentin), trihexyphenidyl, and diphenhydramine (Benadryl), can worsen these side effects. Let your provider know if any of these symptoms become bothersome.

            faqs

            Frequently asked questions about Adasuve (loxapine)

            How long does it take Adasuve (loxapine) to work?
            Adasuve (loxapine) reaches very high levels in your body within 2 minutes after inhaling your dose. It can help calm you down within 10 minutes of your dose.
            Is it safe to take Adasuve (loxapine) while pregnant?
            Taking Adasuve (loxapine) in the third trimester of pregnancy can be harmful to your baby. Your baby might be born with movement disorders or withdrawal symptoms, such as agitation, stiff or limp muscles, shakiness, sleepiness, high-pitched crying, and poor feeding. If you're pregnant, tell your provider before starting Adasuve (loxapine).
            Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Adasuve (loxapine)?
            Drinking alcohol isn't recommended while you're taking Adasuve (loxapine). Combining Adasuve (loxapine) with alcohol can make you feel more drowsy, uncoordinated, and cause more trouble thinking.
            What is the difference between the loxapine capsule and Adasuve (loxapine)?
            Adasuve (loxapine) and the loxapine capsule both contain the medication loxapine. They're both in the same antipsychotic medication class, but they differ in what they're used for. Adasuve (loxapine) is used to treat agitation that occurs with schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder, whereas the loxapine capsule is used to treat a wide range of symptoms related to schizophrenia, such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thoughts. In addition, Adasuve (loxapine) is given through an inhaler at your provider's office and is taken once for agitation symptoms. The loxapine capsule is swallowed and is usually taken twice a day.
            What is a REMS program, and why is there one for Adasuve (loxapine)?
            A Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program is an extra safety requirement from the FDA for certain medications that have serious risks. The FDA requires a REMS program for Adasuve (loxapine) because of its risk of serious breathing problems, which can be life-threatening. Healthcare facilities and providers can only administer Adasuve (loxapine) if they're enrolled in the Adasuve REMS program, have certain supplies and medications available on site for serious breathing issues, and have been trained on how to treat breathing problems, if they occur.
            GoodRxEducationalIcon

            How to save using GoodRx

            Compare Prices
            1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.
            Select your free coupon
            2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.
            Show coupon to your pharmacist
            3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.
            Get free couponLearn more
            warings-icon

            What are the risks and warnings for Adasuve (loxapine)?

            Adasuve (loxapine) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

            risk-warning

            Trouble breathing

            • Risk factors: Current diagnosis or history of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other lung disease | Symptoms of breathing problems | Taking medications for lung conditions

              Adasuve (loxapine) can cause the muscles around your airways to tighten, which can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening breathing problems. This can cause symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, cough, and chest tightness. If you experience any of these symptoms, let your provider know right away. Don't take Adasuve (loxapine) if you have a current diagnosis or history of asthma, COPD, or other lung diseases, if you have symptoms of breathing problems like wheezing, shortness of breath, or cough, or if you take medications for lung conditions.

              Because of this risk, Adasuve (loxapine) is only available through a restricted program called the Adasuve Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS). This means Adasuve (loxapine) can only be administered by providers who have received specialized training and have certain supplies and medications on site to treat breathing problems, if they occur.

              risk-warning

              Higher risk of stroke and death

              • Risk factors: Older adults with dementia-related psychosis

                People over the age of 65 who also have dementia sometimes have some schizophrenia-like symptoms, like hallucinations. This is called dementia-related psychosis, and it should not be treated with Adasuve (loxapine). If Adasuve (loxapine) is used for dementia-related psychosis, it can cause strokes or death. Let your provider know if you or your loved one has dementia before starting Adasuve (loxapine).

                risk-warning

                Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

                Adasuve (loxapine) can cause a rare, but life-threatening, condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Symptoms of NMS include high fever, muscle stiffness, confusion, sweating, and changes in heart rate and blood pressure. If you notice any of these symptoms, get medical help right away.

                risk-warning

                Low blood pressure, falls, and fainting

                • Risk factors: History of heart disease or stroke | Dehydration | Low blood volume | Older age | Taking medications for high blood pressure | Taking medications that lower your blood pressure or heart rate | Taking medications that make you less alert

                  Adasuve (loxapine) can cause low blood pressure, a sudden drop in blood pressure, sleepiness, and problems with balance, especially when you first start the medication. Dizziness, falls, and fainting can happen due to a sudden drop in blood pressure when you change positions, such as going from sitting to standing. To avoid falling and potential injuries, such as broken bones, change positions slowly until your body is used to the medication.

                  risk-warning

                  Seizures

                  • Risk factors: History of seizures | Conditions that make it easier to have seizures

                    Adasuve (loxapine) can make you more likely to have seizures, especially if you have a history of seizures or have conditions that make it easier to have a seizure.

                    risk-warning

                    Impaired judgment and problems with coordination

                    • Risk factors: Taking medications that make you less alert

                      Adasuve (loxapine) can affect your judgment, thinking, and coordination, because it can cause a calming effect and sleepiness. Combining Adasuve (loxapine) with other drugs that make you less alert, like diphenhydramine (Benadryl), alprazolam (Xanax), or zolpidem (Ambien), can worsen these symptoms. Don't drive or do anything that requires concentration until you know how this medication affects you.

                      dosage

                      Adasuve (loxapine) dosage forms

                      Typical dosing for Adasuve (loxapine)

                      Adasuve (loxapine) is given through an inhaler and can only be administered by a healthcare provider. The typical dose is 1 inhalation (10 mg) by mouth once for anxiety and restlessness. The maximum dose is 1 inhalation in a 24-hour period.

                      interactions

                      Interactions between Adasuve (loxapine) and other drugs

                      Adasuve (loxapine) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Adasuve (loxapine). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                      Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

                      Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                      Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                      Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                      • Betel Nut
                      drug-cost

                      How much does Adasuve (loxapine) cost?

                      To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                      Adasuve (brand)
                      GoodRx lowest price

                      $157.20

                      0
                      View prices & coupons
                      contraindications-icon

                      Adasuve (loxapine) contraindications

                      Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Adasuve (loxapine) will not be safe for you to take.

                      • Asthma, COPD, or other lung diseases

                      • Symptoms that suggest difficulty breathing (e.g., wheezing, shortness of breath, cough)

                      • Take medications that treat lung disease, such as asthma or COPD

                      • Experienced trouble breathing after previous Adasuve (loxapine) treatment

                      • Allergy to loxapine or amoxapine

                      alternatives

                      What are alternatives to Adasuve (loxapine)?

                      There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Adasuve (loxapine). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                      Adasuve (loxapine)
                      Used for:

                      • Short-term treatment of agitation related to schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder in adults

                      $157.20 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      Loxapine
                      Used for:

                      • Schizophrenia

                      $15.48 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      Haloperidol
                      Used for:

                      • Psychotic and behavioral disorders

                      • Tourette syndrome in adults and children

                      • Hyperactivity in children

                      $8.10 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

                      Get savings updates for Adasuve (loxapine)

                      Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Adasuve (loxapine) and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.

                      By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.

                      Browse medications

                      View All

                      Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.