Navane (Thiothixene)

What is Navane?

Navane (thiothixene) is an anti-psychotic drug.

What is Navane used for?

Navane is used in the treatment of schizophrenia. It reduces hallucinations and helps patients to think clearly. It decreases aggression and tendency to hurt self or others. It also decreases nervousness and boosts self-confidence to take part in everyday life.

How does Navane work?

Navane (thiothexene) works by restoring the balance of dopamine in the brain and thereby helping in the treatment of schizophrenia.

How to use Navane

Navane should be used in the manner prescribed by a doctor. The dosage depends on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Navane is usually taken orally 1-3 times a day, with or without food. In case you are using liquid form of the drug measure the correct dose with a measuring device provided by your pharmacist.

The drug should be taken regularly for maximum benefit.

Do not stop your dose even if you feel better unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Stopping the medication suddenly may cause serious withdrawal symptoms. The dose should be decreased gradually as per directions from your doctor.

It may make 2-3 weeks to get results. However, if your condition does not improve at all or becomes worse consult your doctor immediately.

Navane warnings and precautions

Navane is not administered to patients who are allergic to thiothixene. Patients having the following conditions are also advised against taking this drug: anemia, low platelet or white blood cell count, extreme drowsiness, slow breathing, weak pulse caused by other medicines or alcohol.

Before taking the medication, inform your doctor about your medical conditions, especially if you have epilepsy or seizure disorder, a history of breast cancer, a history of low white blood cell count, heart disease or overdependence on alcohol.

Navane is not meant for the treatment of dementia-related psychotic conditions. It should not be administered to older patients with dementia-related conditions as doing so may have serious consequences such as pneumonia, heart failure, or in extreme cases sudden death.

The drug should, also, not be administered to children aged below 12 years.

The drug causes drowsiness. Avoid activities which require alertness while taking this drug. Always get up from a lying or sitting position slowly to avoid dizziness. Avoid consumption of alcohol as alcohol can aggravate dizziness and drowsiness.

Try not to become dehydrated or overheated.

Effects of Navane on fetus are not known for certain. But it is known to pass through breast milk and can be harmful to a nursing baby. Therefore, pregnant and lactating women are advised to discuss the possible risks and benefits of taking the drug with their doctors.

What do I do if I have missed a Navane dose?

If you have missed a Navane dose, take it as soon as you remember. If, however, it is almost time for the next dose, the missed dose can be skipped. Do not take a double dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Navane overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Navane, seek medical attention right away.

Navane interactions

Sleeping pills, sedatives, muscle relaxants, cough and cold medicines, narcotic pain medicine can increase drowsiness caused by Navane. Avoid taking such drugs along with Navane. Some drugs which may also interact are: irritable bowel medications, bladder or urination medication, bronchodilators, carbamazepine, blood pressure medication, mepenzolate, glycopyrrolate, or atropine.

It is necessary to inform your doctor about all the prescription/non prescription drugs/herbal medicines that you are taking, before using Navane.

You should not start taking any new medicine, without consulting your doctor.

Navane side effects

Side effects from Navane include allergic reactions such as swelling of tongue, face, throat, hives, redness of skin etc. as well as some serious symptoms such as seizure, twitching or uncontrollable movement of eyes, lips, tongue, arms, legs, face, tremor, very stiff rigid muscles, fast or uneven heartbeats, confusion, sweating, high fever, swelling in hands and feet, symptoms of flu, body ache, pale skin, bruising, bleeding, weakness, vision changes, or trouble in swallowing.

Drowsiness, dizziness, insomnia, restlessness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, increased thirst, changes in menstrual cycle, swelling or discharge from breasts, changes in weight and appetite, and decreased sex drive are some less serious side effects of Navane.