Loxapine: Oral and Inhalant Treatment for Mood Disorders and Psychosis

Course overview

Loxapine is an antipsychotic that is used for the treatment of patients who have schizophrenia. It is known as a typical antipsychotic with a high-potency effect that is often used in lower doses and titrated to effect. Loxapine has low activity at histamine and muscarinic receptors so anticholinergic effects and sedation are less likely to occur, as compared to antipsychotics with a low-potency effect. Loxapine is not only effective for the treatment of symptoms of schizophrenia but also in cases of bipolar disorder, and for major depressive disorder. Clinicians should aim for a therapeutic dose when prescribing loxapine through routine follow-ups and drug monitoring.