Health Library

Thiothixene (By mouth)

Thiothixene (thye-oh-THIX-een)

Treats a mental condition called schizophrenia.

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Liquid, Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

If a dose is missed:

• Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using atropine (Sal-Tropine™), belladonna, scopolamine (Scopace®, Transderm Scop®), medicine for seizures (such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, Luminal®, or Tegretol®), or medicine to lower blood pressure (such as atenolol, captopril, enalapril, quinapril, Tenormin®, or Accupril®).
• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, heart disease, blood vessel problems, or a history of prolactin-dependent breast cancer or seizures. Also tell your doctor if you have a history of a condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).
• Older female adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medicine, including a condition called tardive dyskinesia. This medicine is not used to treat behavioral problems in older adults with dementia.
• Tardive dyskinesia (a movement disorder) may occur and may not go away after you stop using the medicine. Check with your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms while receiving this medicine: lip smacking or puckering, puffing of the cheeks, rapid or worm-like movements of the tongue, uncontrolled chewing movements, or uncontrolled movements of the arms and legs.
• Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms while using this medicine: convulsions (seizures), difficulty with breathing, a fast heartbeat, a high fever, high or low blood pressure, increased sweating, loss of bladder control, severe muscle stiffness, unusually pale skin, or tiredness. These could be symptoms of a serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).
• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• You might get overheated more easily while using this medicine. Be aware of this if you are exercising or the weather is hot. Drinking water might help. If you get too hot and feel dizzy, weak, tired, confused, or sick to your stomach, try to cool down. Call your doctor if you are not able to cool your body and your symptoms continue.
• This medicine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, trouble with thinking, or trouble with controlling body movements. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert, well-coordinated, or able to think well. You may also feel lightheaded when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position, so stand up slowly.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments. You might also need to have your eyes tested on a regular basis while you are using this medicine.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Fever, sweating, confusion, uneven heartbeat, or muscle stiffness.
• Jerky muscle movement you cannot control (often in your face, tongue, or jaw).
• Lightheadedness or fainting.
• Problems with balance or walking.
• Rapid breathing or heartbeat.
• Restlessness, agitation, or any changes in mood or behavior.
• Seizures.
• Spasms of the neck, face, or back.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
• Trouble with breathing, speaking, or swallowing.
• Twitching or muscle movements you cannot control.
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Breast swelling or discharge.
• Changes in menstrual periods.
• Changes in vision, such as trouble focusing.
• Dry mouth, increased thirst, loss of appetite, nausea, or constipation.
• Runny or stuffy nose.
• Sensitivity to sunlight.
• Trouble having sex (impotence).
• Weight gain.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

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

Last Updated: 9/6/2024