Navane (thiothixene) is a prescription medication used to reduce and manage the hallucinations, delusions, and other symptoms commonly associated with schizophrenia and related mental health conditions. Navane is not intended to be a cure for schizophrenia, but it may help relieve some of the symptoms you experience from the condition and make it more manageable. This drug works by blocking the activity of dopamine in the brain in order to help control extreme or disturbing thoughts, emotions, and behavior. It belongs to the typical category of antipsychotic medications.

Dosage FAQs

  • What is the safest way to take this medication?
    If you have been prescribed this medication, you will likely begin taking a low dosage to see how well you tolerate the drug. Your doctor may then increase the amount of medication you take each day to achieve the desired effect. This medication is usually taken one to three times per day and comes in capsule form. Continue to take this medication as directed by your doctor, even if you are feeling well.
  • I forgot to take my medication. What should I do?
    Take the dose you missed as soon as possible. However, if your regular dosing schedule indicates that it will soon be time for your next dose, then refrain from taking the missed dose. Never take a double dose of this medication as it may result in an overdose.

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    How do I know if I have overdosed on this medication?
    Common signs of overdose include sleepiness, dizziness, tension in the neck muscles, excessive salivation, low blood pressure, twitching, difficulty walking, difficulty swallowing, erratic and uncontrollable body movements, and loss of consciousness.
  • What should I do if I have overdosed on this medication?
    Call a poison control center immediately or seek emergency medical attention. Do not try to throw up unless instructed to do so by a trained medical professional.
  • How can I get the most out of my treatment with Navane?
    In many situations where psychotropic medication is prescribed to alleviate symptoms of a mental health condition, it may help to try and find a therapist or counselor to aid in treatment. Medication can be helpful for those struggling with debilitating symptoms, but psychotherapy combined with medication may yield better long-term results in managing and living with a mental health condition like schizophrenia. Psychotherapy allows a person to explore and learn about his or her condition in a safe place and develop positive ways to cope with symptoms when they arise.

Important Information Before Use

As with most antipsychotic medications, Navane carries with it significant risk and hazards. Your doctor, pharmacist, and/or health care provider should discuss the following information with you prior to prescribing you this drug:

  • This drug is not recommended for older adults with dementia. An examination of 17 controlled trials over a 10-week period revealed that elderly people experiencing dementia-related psychosis, who were treated with antipsychotic medication, were almost two times as likely to die from cardiovascular conditions, infections, or other related issues than people who received a placebo.
  • If you have ever been diagnosed with glaucoma, enlarged prostate, seizures, breast cancer, low white blood cell count, low platelets, anemia, or heart disease, you should talk to your doctor before you start taking this drug. You should also mention current or past alcohol dependency, alcohol withdrawal issues, and any serious reactions you may have had to other similar medications.
  • This drug may interact with other medications, so check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other prescription drugs or supplements. Vitamins, minerals and herbal products—particularly the herb St. John's wort—may affect the effectiveness of this drug.
  • Thiothixene, the active ingredient in Navane, may interfere with the results of home pregnancy tests.
  • Long-term treatment with this drug may lead to a serious and potentially irreversible movement condition called tardive dyskinesia.
  • Using antipsychotic medication may increase the chances of developing neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). This condition may be fatal.

Safety Considerations

As you begin your treatment with Navane, you should be aware of the following warnings:

  • If you are pregnant or become pregnant while taking Navane, you should talk to your doctor about alternative treatments for your condition. Navane can cause problems in newborns, particularly if taken during the third trimester of pregnancy. Newborns may experience issues such as tremors, stiff muscles, limp muscles, feeding issues, difficulty breathing, fussiness, and withdrawal symptoms. However, you should not stop taking this drug—even if you become pregnant—unless directed to do so by your doctor.
  • If this medication causes an upset stomach, you may take it with food or just after a meal to reduce this effect.
  • If you are having any type of surgery, including oral surgery, your surgeon or anesthesiologist needs to know that you are taking Navane.

This medication may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Be sure to wear protective clothing and use sun block (at least SPF 30) if you plan to spend a lot of time outside. Do not use tanning beds while taking this drug. Try not to become overheated or dehydrated when exercising, especially in very hot weather. This medication may lead to a decrease in perspiration and increase the risk of a heat injury such as heatstroke.

Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages during treatment. Alcohol may cause an increase in the number and severity of side effects experienced from taking this drug. Thiothixene may also increase the effects of alcohol. Be extremely cautious if you operate heavy machinery or drive while taking this medication. This drug may reduce your alertness, thinking ability and reaction time.

Possible Side Effects

If you experience serious or severe side effects from Navane, you should contact your doctor right away. Serious side effects can include:

  • Muscle rigidity or cramps in the neck
  • Fever and sweating
  • Irregular or fast heartbeat
  • Odd, wormlike tongue movements or a tongue that protrudes from the mouth
  • Difficulty swallowing or a tightness in the throat
  • Seizures
  • Rash, itching, or hives
  • Vision problems, especially in dim lighting or at night
  • Seeing everything with a brown tint
  • Confusion

Less serious side effects may include:

  • Weakness or drowsiness
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or blurred vision
  • Dry mouth, excessive saliva, or excessive thirst
  • Restlessness or agitation; difficulty sleeping
  • Blank expression on face, shuffling walk, unusual or slowed body movements
  • Changes in appetite or weight gain
  • Stomach issues, including nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Widening or narrowing of the pupils
  • Swelling of arms, hands, ankles, or feet
  • Breast enlargement, breast milk production, and irregular menstrual periods
  • Decrease in sexual ability in men

How to Safely Withdraw from Navane

If you need to stop taking this medication, your doctor will reduce your dose over time. By slowly reducing the amount of the drug you take each day, you can reduce the severity of any withdrawal symptoms you experience.

Common symptoms of withdrawal include:

  • Nausea or diarrhea
  • Dizziness or shakiness
  • Stomach pain
  • Delusions, hallucinations, and the return of psychotic symptoms

References:

  1. Drugs.com. (2014). Navane. Retrieved from http://www.drugs.com/mtm/navane.html
  2. Medline Plus. (2011). Thiothixene. Retrieved from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a682867.html
  3. RxList. (2011). Navane. Retrieved from http://www.rxlist.com/navane-drug.htm

Page content reviewed by James Pendleton, ND