thiothixene
Thiothixene is used to treat schizophrenia in people ages 12 years and older. It belongs to a drug class known as typical antipsychotics. This medication comes as a oral capsule and it's typically taken 2-3 times a day. Some of the more common side effects of this medication include drowsiness, restlessness, and uncontrolled body movement. Thiothixene is only available as a generic medication. Brand name Navane has been discontinued.
What is Thiothixene?
What is Thiothixene used for?
- Schizophrenia in people ages 12 years and older
How Thiothixene works
Thiothixene is a typical antipsychotic. It's thought to treat schizophrenia by balancing the levels of dopamine (a chemical messenger) in the brain. It's also thought to affect other types of chemical messengers, including serotonin and histamine.
Drug facts
Side effects of Thiothixene
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
- Drowsiness
- Trouble sleeping
- Restlessness
- Uncontrollable body movement
Less Common Side Effects
- Constipation
- Blurred vision
- Fainting or lightheadedness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth or more salivation
- Changes in appetite
- Weight gain
- Very high fever
- Weakness
- Sexual side effects
- Absent or irregular menstrual periods
Thiothixene serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): very high fever, muscle stiffness, confusion, abnormal pulse, changes in blood pressure, fast heartbeat, sweating, changes in heart rhythm
- Uncontrolled muscle movements (tardive dyskinesia): involuntarily sticking out your tongue, puffing out your cheeks, puckering your mouth, lip smacking, chewing, foot tapping
- Serious infection (from low blood cell count): fever, weakness, fatigue, sore throat, cough, body aches, chills
- Seizures
The following Thiothixene side effects have also been reported
Along with their needed effects, thioxanthenes can sometimes cause serious side effects. Tardive dyskinesia (a movement disorder) may occur and may not go away after you stop using the medicine. Signs of tardive dyskinesia include fine, worm-like movements of the tongue, or other uncontrolled movements of the mouth, tongue, cheeks, jaw, or arms and legs. Other serious but rare side effects may also occur. Some of these side effects, including severe muscle stiffness, fever, unusual tiredness or weakness, fast heartbeat, difficult breathing, increased sweating, loss of bladder control, and seizures, may be the sign of a condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome. You and your doctor should discuss the good this medicine will do as well as the risks of taking it.
Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Stop taking this medicine and get emergency help immediately if any of the following effects occur:
Rare
Convulsions (seizures)
difficulty in breathing
fast heartbeat
high fever
high or low (irregular) blood pressure
increased sweating
loss of bladder control
muscle stiffness (severe)
unusually pale skin
unusual tiredness
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Difficulty in talking or swallowing
inability to move eyes
lip smacking or puckering
loss of balance control
mask-like face
muscle spasms, especially of the neck and back
puffing of cheeks
rapid or worm-like movements of tongue
restlessness or need to keep moving (severe)
shuffling walk
stiffness of arms and legs
trembling and shaking of fingers and hands
twisting movements of body
uncontrolled chewing movements
uncontrolled movements of the arms and legs
Less common
Blurred vision or other eye problems
difficult urination
fainting
skin rash
Rare
Hot, dry skin or lack of sweating
increased blinking or spasms of eyelid
muscle weakness
sore throat and fever
uncontrolled twisting movements of neck, trunk, arms, or legs
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual facial expressions or body positions
yellow eyes or skin
Symptoms of overdose
Difficulty in breathing (severe)
dizziness (severe)
drowsiness (severe)
muscle trembling, jerking, stiffness, or uncontrolled movements (severe)
small pupils
unusual excitement
unusual tiredness or weakness (severe)
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
decreased sweating
dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
drowsiness (mild)
dryness of mouth
increased appetite and weight
increased sensitivity of skin to sunlight (skin rash, itching, redness or other discoloration of skin, or severe sunburn)
Less common
Changes in menstrual period
decreased sexual ability
swelling of breasts (in males and females)
unusual secretion of milk
After you stop taking this medicine your body may need time to adjust, especially if you took this medicine in high doses or for a long time. If you stop taking it too quickly, the following withdrawal effects may occur and should be reported to your doctor:
Dizziness
stomach pain
trembling of fingers and hands
uncontrolled, continuing movements of mouth, tongue, or jaw
Although not all of the side effects listed above have been reported for all thioxanthenes, they have been reported for at least one of them. However, since these medicines are very similar, any of the above side effects may occur with any of them.
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.
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Pros and cons of Thiothixene
Pros
- Taken by mouth
- Can be taken by children as young as 12 years old
- Dose can be adjusted based on your response
Cons
- Might need to take up to 3 times a day
- Can cause low white blood cell counts so might need to have regular blood tests done
- More likely to cause movement-related problems than atypical antipsychotics
Pharmacist tips for Thiothixene
- Thiothixene can cause low blood pressure, especially if you're taking other medications that can lower your blood pressure. This can lead to dizziness, fainting, and falls. Let your prescriber know if you experience these symptoms.
- Thiothixene is more likely to cause dizziness and drowsiness when you first start this medication or whenever your prescriber raises the dose. Don't drive or do anything that needs a lot of focus until you know how this medication makes you feel. Also, avoid drinking alcohol while taking thiothixene because doing so can worsen these side effects.
- Taking thiothixene might lead to abnormal muscle movements. Symptoms include involuntarily sticking out your tongue, puffing out your cheeks, and puckering your mouth. The risk is higher if you're taking this medication over a longer period of time. Talk to your prescriber if you experience any of these uncontrollable symptoms as you might need to stop taking the medication.
- Thiothixene can make you more sensitive to the sun. If you're out in the sun for too long, you might develop a red and itchy rash that looks similar to a sunburn. Avoid staying out in the sun for too long and remember to use sunscreen and wear sun-protective clothing every day to protect your skin.
- Let your healthcare team know if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Thiothixene can be harmful to your unborn baby, especially if taken in the 3rd trimester of your pregnancy. Babies can be born with abnormal muscle movements and withdrawal symptoms, such as shaking, changes in muscle stiffness, sleepiness, and trouble breathing. Your healthcare team can talk with you about safer options for schizophrenia during pregnancy.
Common questions about Thiothixene
The brand name, Navane, has been discontinued. The reason isn't clear, but it wasn't taken off the market due to safety reasons or because it didn't work well. The generic capsules are still available under the name thiothixene.
No, thiothixene isn't a controlled substance. This is because it isn't known to cause addiction or dependence.
Yes, thiothixene is a typical antipsychotic. It's also sometimes called a first-generation antipsychotic, because it came on the market before newer antipsychotics (second-generation antipsychotics).
Weight gain is a possible side effect from taking thiothixene. This is likely due to changes that happen in your body from taking the medication. But there are things you can do to maintain a healthy weight, such as eating nutritious foods and exercising regularly. Tell your prescriber if you have concerns about your weight.
Some people taking have reported low sex drive and problems getting or maintaining an erection. If you notice any sexual side effects, let your prescriber know. They might be able to adjust your dose, offer ways to manage them, or change your treatment plan.
It's possible for thiothixene to cause withdrawal symptoms, such as movement and coordination problems, nausea, and trouble sleeping, after stopping it suddenly. Because everyone responds differently to stopping treatment, it's hard to know what symptoms you'll experience (if any) and how long they'll last. If you need to stop taking thiothixene, your prescriber can help you do so safely by lowering your dose slowly over time.
There isn't enough information to know if thiothixene is safe to take while you're breastfeeding. If you're breastfeeding, speak to your healthcare professional. They can talk with you about safer options to treat your condition.
Both thiothixene and loxapine are antipsychotics used to treat schizophrenia. But they have some differences. For example, loxapine is typically taken twice a day, while thiothixene is taken once to three times a day. Another difference is that thiothixene can be taken by children as young as 12 years old, but loxapine is only for adults. Talk to your healthcare professional if you have questions about these medications.
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Risks and warnings for Thiothixene
Thiothixene 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.
Higher risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis
- Risk factors: Older adults with dementia-related psychosis
People over the age of 65 who also have dementia sometimes have some of the symptoms of schizophrenia, like hallucinations and delusions. This is called dementia-related psychosis, and it should not be treated with thiothixene. If thiothixene is used for dementia-related psychosis, it can cause death. Let your prescriber know if you or your loved one has dementia before starting thiothixene.
Difficulty controlling muscle movements (tardive dyskinesia)
- Risk factors: Long-term use of thiothixene | Older adults | Female and 65 years and older | Taking higher doses of thiothixene
Thiothixene can cause difficulty with controlling muscle movements of the tongue, face, mouth, lips, jaw, hands, and feet. This is more likely to happen the longer you take thiothixene and it's typically seen after months or even years after starting the medication. It's also more likely to happen if you take higher doses of thiothixene. This usually goes away when you stop the medication but there is a chance that it might not. Talk to your prescriber right away if you notice any unusual movements you can't control.
Abnormal and prolonged muscle contractions (dystonia)
- Risk factors: Taking higher doses of thiothixene | Male | Younger age
Thiothixene can cause abnormal and prolonged contractions of your muscles, especially if you take high doses of the medication. Symptoms can occur during the first few days of treatment. Let your prescriber know if you have sudden spasms of the neck muscles, tightness of the throat, difficulty swallowing, or difficulty breathing.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
- Risk factors: Taking antipsychotic medications
Thiothixene can cause neuroleptic malignant syndrome, which is a rare but serious condition that can lead to death. Symptoms include very high fever, muscle stiffness, confusion, abnormal pulse, changes in blood pressure, fast heartbeat, and sweating. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking thiothixene and get emergency medical help right away.
Seizures
- Risk factors: History of seizures | Currently experiencing alcohol withdrawal | Taking other medications that raise the risk of seizures
Thiothixene can make seizures more likely to occur, especially in people with a history of seizures or people who are going through alcohol withdrawal. Let your prescriber know if you've had seizures before you take thiothixene to make sure this medication is safe for you.
Drowsiness and sleepiness
- Risk factors: Drinking alcohol | Taking other medications that cause sleepiness
Thiothixene can make you sleepy and unable to focus, especially if you drink alcohol or take other medications that make you sleepy. Don't drive or do anything requiring concentration after taking thiothixene until you know how it affects you.
Low white blood cell count
- Risk factors: History of low white blood cell count
Thiothixene can lower your white blood cell count. White blood cells are the part of the immune system that protects you from an infection. Having fewer white blood cells means that you are at a higher risk of getting an infection. Your prescriber might have you do blood tests regularly when you first start thiothixene to make sure that your white blood cells are in the normal range. Talk to your prescriber if you have symptoms of an infection such as a fever, cough, chills, and fatigue.
Vision changes
- Risk factors: Long-term use of thiothixene
Thiothixene can cause vision changes, especially if you've used the medication for a long time. Let your prescriber know right away if you notice changes in your vision as you might need to stop the medication.
High prolactin levels
Thiothixene can cause prolactin hormone levels in your blood to go up. High prolactin levels can lead to milky substances being released from the nipple, enlarged breasts, and absent or irregular menstrual periods. Your prescriber might do regular blood tests to make sure your prolactin levels are in a healthy range. If symptoms continue, your prescriber might prescribe a lower dose of thiothixene or have you stop taking the medication.
Thiothixene dosage
Capsule| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2mg | 30 capsules | $18.52 | $0.62 |
| 1mg | 30 capsules | $15.07 | $0.50 |
| 5mg | 30 capsules | $30.90 | $1.03 |
| 10mg | 30 capsules | $33.84 | $1.13 |
Typical dosage for Thiothixene
Your healthcare team will determine your dose of thiothixene based on how long you've had symptoms and how severe those symptoms are.
-
Milder conditions: The typical starting dose is 2 mg by mouth three times a day. If needed, your prescriber will slowly raise your dose up to 15 mg a day.
-
Severe conditions: The typical starting dose is 5 mg by mouth two times a day. Your prescriber will raise your dose to one that works best for you. The usual dose ranges from 20 mg to 30 mg a day. If needed, your prescriber might raise your dose to 60 mg a day.
Interactions between Thiothixene and other drugs
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 taking any of these medicines, 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 medicines in this class with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with a medication in this class or change some of the other medicines you take.
- Bepridil
- Bromopride
- Cisapride
- Dronedarone
- Mesoridazine
- Metoclopramide
- Pimozide
- Piperaquine
- Saquinavir
- Sparfloxacin
- Terfenadine
- Thioridazine
- Ziprasidone
Using medicines in this class 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.
- Alfuzosin
- Amiodarone
- Amisulpride
- Amitriptyline
- Anagrelide
- Apomorphine
- Aripiprazole
- Aripiprazole Lauroxil
- Arsenic Trioxide
- Asenapine
- Astemizole
- Atazanavir
- Azithromycin
- Bedaquiline
- Buprenorphine
- Buserelin
- Ceritinib
- Chloroquine
- Chlorpromazine
- Ciprofloxacin
- Citalopram
- Clarithromycin
- Clofazimine
- Clomipramine
- Clozapine
- Crizotinib
- Cyclobenzaprine
- Dabrafenib
- Dasatinib
- Degarelix
- Delamanid
- Desipramine
- Deslorelin
- Deutetrabenazine
- Dihydrocodeine
- Disopyramide
- Dofetilide
- Dolasetron
- Domperidone
- Donepezil
- Doxepin
- Droperidol
- Ebastine
- Efavirenz
- Encorafenib
- Entrectinib
- Eribulin
- Erythromycin
- Escitalopram
- Famotidine
- Felbamate
- Fingolimod
- Flecainide
- Fluconazole
- Fluoxetine
- Formoterol
- Foscarnet
- Fosphenytoin
- Fostemsavir
- Galantamine
- Gatifloxacin
- Gemifloxacin
- Glasdegib
- Glucagon
- Glycopyrrolate
- Glycopyrronium Tosylate
- Gonadorelin
- Goserelin
- Granisetron
- Halofantrine
- Haloperidol
- Histrelin
- Hydroquinidine
- Hydroxychloroquine
- Hydroxyzine
- Ibutilide
- Iloperidone
- Imipramine
- Inotuzumab Ozogamicin
- Itraconazole
- Ivabradine
- Ivosidenib
- Ketoconazole
- Lapatinib
- Lefamulin
- Lenvatinib
- Leuprolide
- Levofloxacin
- Lithium
- Lofexidine
- Lumefantrine
- Macimorelin
- Mefloquine
- Methacholine
- Methadone
- Methotrimeprazine
- Metronidazole
- Mifepristone
- Milnacipran
- Mirtazapine
- Mizolastine
- Moricizine
- Moxifloxacin
- Nafarelin
- Nelfinavir
- Nilotinib
- Norfloxacin
- Octreotide
- Ofloxacin
- Olanzapine
- Ondansetron
- Osilodrostat
- Osimertinib
- Oxaliplatin
- Ozanimod
- Paliperidone
- Panobinostat
- Papaverine
- Paroxetine
- Pasireotide
- Pazopanib
- Pentamidine
- Perphenazine
- Pimavanserin
- Pipamperone
- Pitolisant
- Ponesimod
- Posaconazole
- Probucol
- Procainamide
- Prochlorperazine
- Promethazine
- Propafenone
- Protriptyline
- Quetiapine
- Quinidine
- Quinine
- Ranolazine
- Remifentanil
- Revefenacin
- Ribociclib
- Risperidone
- Ritonavir
- Scopolamine
- Secretin Human
- Selpercatinib
- Sertindole
- Sertraline
- Sevoflurane
- Siponimod
- Sodium Phosphate
- Sodium Phosphate, Dibasic
- Sodium Phosphate, Monobasic
- Solifenacin
- Sorafenib
- Sotalol
- Sulpiride
- Sultopride
- Sunitinib
- Tacrolimus
- Tamoxifen
- Telaprevir
- Telavancin
- Telithromycin
- Tetrabenazine
- Tiotropium
- Tolterodine
- Toremifene
- Trazodone
- Triclabendazole
- Trimipramine
- Triptorelin
- Vandetanib
- Vardenafil
- Vemurafenib
- Venlafaxine
- Vilanterol
- Vinflunine
- Voclosporin
- Voriconazole
- Vorinostat
- Zotepine
How much does Thiothixene cost?
$15.07
Thiothixene 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 Thiothixene will not be safe for you to take.
- Problems with blood circulation
- Seriously slowed brain activity or coma
- Abnormal blood conditions
What are alternatives to Thiothixene?
Thiothixene images
