Thiothixene: uses, side effects and precautions.

The treatment of schizophrenia frequently incorporates this psychopharmaceutical.

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

Thiothixene is a traditional antipsychotic drug used almost exclusively for the treatment of schizophrenia. used, almost exclusively, for the treatment of schizophrenia. Throughout this article we will discuss its uses and side effects, as well as the precautions to be taken by patients taking it.

What is thiothixene?

Thiothixene is a neuroleptic drug of the typical antipsychotic family. Popularly known under the trade name Navanethiothixene acts by blocking dopaminergic D2 receptors.

Specifically, the action of thiothixene is focused on blocking is focused on blocking dopaminergic receptors at the cortico-meso-limbic at the level of the cortico-meso-limbic pathway. This blockage 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.

In what disorders is it used?

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

This disorder encompasses a category of diagnoses distinguished by severe perceptual disturbances, a lack of adjustment to the patient's surrounding reality, and neuropsychological disorganization affecting a wide range of executive functions.

However, by administering thiothixene, the patient will be able to think more clearly, decrease his level of excitement and, therefore, integrate better into his environment and perform daily activities.

In addition, 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.

How is it administered?

Thiothixene is marketed in capsules of different concentrations or amounts, which are administered according to 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 patient's specific needs.

Usually, in order to minimize side effects such as sedation or tremors, thiothixene treatment will be started gradually, treatment with thiothixene will be started gradually, beginning with a low dose of thiothixene and increasing it as the first weeks pass.starting with a low dose of thiothixene and increasing it as the first weeks pass.

It is of vital importance that the patient follows his doctor's instructions to the letter. Although it may take 2 or 3 weeks before the patient begins to feel the effects of thiothixene, the patient should never stop taking the medication or take more than the prescribed dose without first consulting the physician.

If the patient suddenly stops taking this drug, he/she runs the risk of suffering a series of side effects, the patient runs the risk of suffering a series of symptoms such as acute feelings of confusion and very severe hallucinations. Therefore, if the treatment has to be stopped, it should be done gradually and under medical supervision.

What are the side effects?

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

These side effects can be divided into those that do not require medical attention and those that do require contacting a medical professional as soon as possible.

In either case, if these side effects become aggravated or prolonged in time, it is necessary to inform the physician so that he/she can adjust the dosage.

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 of confusion
• Agitation
• Fever
• Alterations in sweating levels
• Feeling of fatigue
• Muscle weakness
• Alterations in vision
• Breathing problems
• Speech and swallowing difficulties
• Alterations in the ability to urinate
• Alterations in Heart rate
• Seizures
• Muscle stiffness and/or spasms
• Lack of balance
• Difficulty walking
• Increased breast size In both men and women
• Milk production outside the lactation period

What precautions should be taken with its consumption?

It is necessary that the patient informs his/her doctor, before starting the treatment, of any allergy, disease or special health condition that may interfere with the progress of the treatment.

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

• Brain tumors or cranial lesions
• Dementia
• Cardiac conditions
• Blood disorders
• Parkinson's disease
• Kidney and liver and hepatic disorders

Likewise, the physician should be aware of any medications, vitamin supplements or natural complexes that the patient takes both before and during thiothixene treatment. Since these can cause a series of interferences with the thiothixene and cause damage to the person's organism.

Due to the sedation effects, thiothixene can cause sleepiness and dizziness in those who take it. 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.

Likewise, the use of thiothixene during pregnancy and lactation period could cause damage to the newborn, so its administration should be restricted to cases in which there is no effective alternative treatment.