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Overview: Thiothixene is used to treat schizophrenia. It belongs to a group of medicines called first-generation (typical) antipsychotics. Common side effects include blurred vision, constipation, drowsiness, and dry mouth. Serious side effects may include uncontrolled movements, blood disorders, and low blood pressure.

Uses

What is thiothixene used for?

Thiothixene is commonly used to treat schizophrenia.

Thiothixene may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does thiothixene work (mechanism of action)?

Thiothixene belongs to a group of medicines called first-generation (typical) antipsychotics. It blocks some areas in the brain where the natural chemical, dopamine, works. This lowers the effect of dopamine in the body. Dopamine affects your behavior and thinking.

How is thiothixene supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Navane

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 1 mg oral capsules
  • 2 mg oral capsules
  • 5 mg oral capsules
  • 10 mg oral capsules

How should I store thiothixene?

Thiothixene should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place, in a tight, light-resistant container.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of thiothixene?

The most common side effects of thiothixene are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Blurred vision
  • Constipation
  • Drowsiness
  • Dry mouth
  • Restlessness
  • Weakness

There may be other side effects of thiothixene that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of thiothixene?

While less common, the most serious side effects of thiothixene are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Thiothixene may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking thiothixene and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Parkinson-like Symptoms. Thiothixene may cause involuntary movement problems, including shakiness, stiffness, or jerkiness. It can also cause drooling, falling, or walking or balance problems. These are called Parkinson-like symptoms, or parkinsonism. Call your healthcare provider right away if you develop any Parkinson-like symptoms.

Uncontrolled Movements. Thiothixene can cause some people to have movements that they cannot control. This condition, called tardive dyskinesia (TD), can cause jerky movements of your face, tongue, or body. TD can be permanent. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms of TD.

  • Tongue sticking out
  • Lip smacking or puckering
  • Grimacing
  • Rapid eye blinking
  • Jerking or twisting motion of the arms, legs, or trunk

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). Antipsychotic medicines, like thiothixene, can cause a rare but serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome. NMS can lead to death. Stop taking thiothixene and call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • High fever
  • Muscle stiffness or rigidity, where it is hard to move
  • Changes in your breathing or heart rate
  • Increased sweating
  • Confusion

Blood Disorders. Thiothixene can cause blood disorders, such as agranulocytosis, low neutrophil levels (neutropenia), and low white blood cell levels (leukopenia). Keep all appointments to have your blood checked. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.

  • Fever, chills, or sweats
  • Sore throat, cough, or shortness of breath
  • Frequent infection
  • Unusual weakness or tiredness
  • Sores in your mouth or throat
  • Swollen lymph nodes

High Prolactin Level (Hyperprolactinemia). Thiothixene may cause an increased level of the hormone prolactin in your blood. Increased levels of prolactin could lead to fertility or bone problems. Contact your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Vaginal dryness
  • Irregular or no periods
  • Production of breastmilk when not pregnant or nursing
  • Inability to get or keep an erection
  • Enlarged breast size (gynecomastia)
  • Decreased muscle and body hair

Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension). Thiothixene may cause low blood pressure. If you feel faint or dizzy, lie down. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low blood pressure.

  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Confusion
  • Feeling weak or tired

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use thiothixene?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take thiothixene.

  • Thiothixene
  • Any other medicine known as a phenothiazine
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific thiothixene products they stock.

Abnormal Blood Cell Levels. Thiothixene should not be taken if you have low levels of important cells, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and neutrophils. If there is a concern about your blood counts, your healthcare provider may do tests to determine if you should take thiothixene.

Decreased Awareness. Thiothixene should not be used by people who are in a coma or who have decreased consciousness.

Shock. Thiothixene should not be used by people who have severely low blood pressure that results in poor circulation and their organs not receiving enough oxygen.

What should I know about thiothixene before using it?

Do not take thiothixene unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share thiothixene with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep thiothixene out of the reach of children.

Thiothixene can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how thiothixene affects you.

Thiothixene can make your skin more sensitive to light from the sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. This is called photosensitivity. Exposure to this light can cause severe sunburns, blisters, and swelling. If you need to be in sunlight, wear sunscreen, a hat, and clothing that covers your skin.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using thiothixene?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if thiothixene is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Psychosis Related to Dementia. There is a higher risk of death in older adults who take thiothixene or another antipsychotic and have psychosis related to dementia. Thiothixenene is not approved to treat dementia-related psychosis.

Other Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Blocked bowels
  • Brain tumor
  • Breast cancer
  • Exposure to extreme heat
  • Heart disease
  • Liver problems
  • Low blood cell levels
  • Seizures or convulsions
  • History of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
  • Alcohol withdrawal or a history of alcohol misuse

Other Medicines and Supplements. Thiothixene may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking thiothixene, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how thiothixene could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Taking thiothixene during the third trimester of pregnancy could cause a newborn baby to have symptoms such as agitation, breathing problems, or trouble feeding. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take thiothixene while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if thiothixene passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop thiothixene.

Interactions

Does thiothixene interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between thiothixene and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect thiothixene. The risk of sleepiness, reduced alertness and concentration, and dangerously low blood pressure may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking trifluoperazine.

Does thiothixene interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking thiothixene.

  • A medicine for high blood pressure
  • A medicine for seizures, such as carbamazepine or phenytoin
  • A barbiturate, such as phenobarbital, butalbital, or primidone, which is a medicine that may be used to treat insomnia, migraines, or seizures
  • Any other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, or medicines for anxiety
  • An anticholinergic medicine, which includes antihistamines and medicines commonly used for overactive bladder, Parkinson’s disease, or stomach problems

Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of thiothixene. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with thiothixene. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much thiothixene?

If you or someone else has used too much thiothixene, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of thiothixene?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.