Thiothixene: Uses, Side Effects, and Precautions

Schizophrenia is one of the mental illnesses with the greatest variability of symptoms and degrees of condition that exist. Therefore, the variety of drugs to treat it must also be very wide.

Thiothixene is an antipsychotic drug traditional medicine used, almost exclusively, for the treatment of schizophrenia. Throughout this article we will talk about its uses and side effects, as well as the precautions that patients who consume it should take.

• Related article: "Psychoactive drugs: drugs that act on the brain

What is thiothixene?

Thiothixene is a neuroleptic drug from the family of typical antipsychotics. Popularly known under the trade name of Navane, thiothixenes works by blocking dopamine D2 receptors.

Specifically, the action of thiothixene focuses on blocking dopamine receptors at the level of the cortico-mesolimbic pathway. This obstruction of dopamine receptors alters dopamine levels, transforming human behavior. Specifically, thiothixene prevents overstimulation of the person and facilitates the regulation of certain mental illnesses classified as psychotic.

• You may be interested in: "Types of antipsychotics (or neuroleptics)"

In what disorders is it used?

Thiothixene is used almost exclusively to treat symptoms related to a number of mental and psychiatric conditions. like schizophrenia.

This disorder encompasses a category of diagnoses distinguished by causing severe perceptual disturbances, a lack of adjustment with the reality that surrounds the patient and a neuropsychological disorganization that affects a large number of functions executives.

However, by administering thiothixene the patient will be able to think more clearly, decrease your level of arousal and therefore integrate better in your environment and perform activities everyday.

Furthermore, this antipsychotic facilitates the reduction of aggressive behaviors and the desire or need to harm others or oneself. In the same way, by helping to restore mental balance, it also helps to reduce the number of hallucinations.

• Related article: "The 5 differences between psychosis and schizophrenia"

How is it administered?

Thiothixene is sold in capsules of different concentrations or amounts, which are administered depending on the severity of the patient's symptoms.

Taken orally, the usual dose of thiothixene is one capsule 1 to 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, treatment with thiothixene will be started gradually, starting with a low dose of it and increasing it as the first few weeks go by.

It is vitally important that the patient follow the instructions of his doctor to the letter. Although it may take 2 to 3 weeks before you begin to feel the effects of thiothixene, the patient You will never be able to stop taking the medication or take more than the indicated dose without first consulting with the optional.

If the patient stops taking this drug suddenly, You are at risk of experiencing a number of symptoms. such as a feeling of acute confusion and very severe hallucinations. Therefore, in the event that treatment must end, it must be done gradually and under medical supervision.

What side effects does it have?

Like many other antipsychotic drugs, thiothixene carries a series of side effects for the patient which, on some occasions, can cause serious discomfort for the person.

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

In either case, if these side effects worsen or last over time, it is necessary to inform the doctor so that the dose can be adjusted.

Non-serious side effects

• Nausea
• vomiting
• Constipation
• Weight gain
• Alterations in the menstrual cycle
• Decreased sexual desire and performance

serious side effects

• dizziness
• Fainting
• feeling confused
• Agitation
• Fever
• Changes in sweating levels
• feeling of fatigue
• Muscular weakness
• vision changes
• Respiratory problems
• Difficulty speaking and swallowing
• Alterations in the ability to urinate
• Alterations in the cardiac pulse
• seizures
• Muscle stiffness and/or spasms
• lack of balance
• Dificulty to walk
• Increase in the size of the breasts Both men and women
• Milk production outside the lactation period

What precautions should be taken with its consumption?

It is necessary for the patient to inform his doctor, before starting treatment, of any allergies, disease or special health condition in which you are and that may interfere with the progress of the treatment.

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

• Brain tumors or head injuries
• Dementia
• Heart Conditions
• blood disorders
• Parkinson's disease
• kidney disorders and liverworts

In the same way, the doctor must be aware of any medication, vitamin supplement or natural complex that the patient consumes both before and during treatment with thiothixene. Since these can cause a series of interferences with thiothixene and cause damage to the human body.

Due to its sedative effects, thiothixene may cause drowsiness and dizziness. in those who consume it. Therefore, those patients who perform activities such as driving or operating heavy machinery should pause their activities or at least take special precautions during treatment.

In the same way, the consumption of thiothixene during pregnancy and lactation could cause harm to the newborn. born, so its administration should be restricted to cases in which there is no alternative treatment that is effective.