Schizophrenia is one of the most variable mental illnesses in terms of symptoms and degree of condition. So the range of drugs to treat it must also be very wide.

Thiotixen is a traditional antipsychotic drug used, almost exclusively, for the treatment of schizophrenia. Throughout this article we will discuss its uses and side effects, as well as the precautions to be taken by patients who consume it.

What is thiotixene?

Thiotixen is a neuroleptic drug in the family of typical antipsychotics. Popularly known under the trade name Navane , thiotixen works by blocking dopamine D2 receptors.

Specifically, the action of thiotixene is focused on blocking dopamine receptors at the level of the cortico-meso-limbic pathway. This blockage of dopamine receptors alters dopamine levels, transforming human behavior. Specifically, thiotixene prevents over-stimulation of the person and facilitates the regulation of certain mental illnesses classified as psychotic.

In what disorders is it used?

Thiotixene is used, almost exclusively, to treat the symptoms related to a number of mental and psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia .

This disorder encompasses a category of diagnoses that are distinguished by severe alterations in perception, a lack of adjustment to the reality surrounding the patient, and a neuropsychological disorganization that affects a large number of executive functions.

However, by administering thiotixene, the patient will be able to think more clearly, decrease his or her level of arousal and therefore better integrate into his or her environment and perform daily activities.

In addition, this antipsychotic facilitates a decrease in aggressive behaviour and the desire or need to harm others or oneself. Similarly, by helping to restore mental balance, it also helps reduce the number of hallucinations.

How is it administered?

Thiotixen is marketed in capsules of different concentrations or amounts, which are administered according to the severity of the patient’s symptoms.

Taken orally, the usual dose of thiotixen is one capsule between 1 and 3 times a day. However, the medical professional will adjust the dose according to the specific needs of the patient.

Usually, and with the purpose of minimizing some side effects such as sedation or tremors, the treatment with thiothixene will be started gradually , starting with a low dose of it and increasing it as the first weeks go by.

It is vitally important that the patient follows his doctor’s instructions to the letter. Although it may take 2-3 weeks before your doctor begins to notice the effects of thiotixen, you should never stop taking the medication or take more than the prescribed dose without first consulting your doctor.

If the patient stops taking this drug suddenly, he risks suffering a series of symptoms such as acute confusion and very serious hallucinations. Therefore, in the event that treatment has to be stopped, it should be done gradually and under medical supervision.

What are the side effects?

Like many other antipsychotic drugs, thiotixene has a number of side effects for the patient that can sometimes lead to serious discomfort for the person.

These side effects can be divided into those that do not require medical attention and those where it is necessary to contact the medical professional as soon as possible.

In either case, if these side effects become worse or longer, the doctor must be informed so that he can adjust the dose.

Non-serious side effects

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Weight gain
  • Alterations in the menstrual cycle
  • Decline in sexual desire and performance

Serious side effects

  • Dizziness
  • Fainting
  • Feeling of confusion
  • Agitation
  • Fever
  • Alterations in sweating levels
  • Feeling of fatigue
  • Muscle weakness
  • Alterations in vision
  • Breathing problems
  • Difficulty speaking and swallowing
  • Alterations in the ability to urinate
  • Alterations in heart rate
  • Seizures
  • Muscle stiffness and/or spasms
  • Lack of balance
  • Difficulty walking
  • Breast enlargement in both men and women
  • Non-lactating milk production

What precautions should be taken with its consumption?

It is necessary for the patient to inform his doctor, before starting treatment, of any allergies, illnesses or special health conditions in which he is found and which may interfere with the progress of treatment.

There are a number of conditions or diseases that can be aggravated by the consumption of thiotixene. These are:

  • Brain tumors or head injuries
  • Dementia
  • Heart Conditions
  • Blood disorders
  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • Kidney and liver

    • disorders

Similarly, the doctor should be aware of any medications, vitamin supplements or natural complexes that the patient consumes both before and during treatment with thiotixene. Since these can cause a number of interferences with thiotixen and lead to damage to the person’s body.

Due to the effects of sedation, thiotixene can cause sleepiness and dizziness in those who consume it. Therefore, patients who perform activities such as driving or operating heavy machinery should pause their activities or at least take special precautions during treatment.

Similarly, the consumption of thiotixene during pregnancy and lactation may cause harm to the newborn, so its administration should be restricted to cases where there is no effective alternative treatment.