Could Zuclopenthixol Help You or Your Loved Ones?

Schizophrenia, a mental disorder, is a painful condition to live with. It requires a lot of love and support from loved ones to have a near-to-normal life. Patients with schizophrenia find it difficult to distinguish between reality and imagination. They can have hallucinations, delusions, and a disordered way of thinking. This behaviour impairs daily functioning. People with schizophrenia are not fully cured and may require lifelong treatment. Schizophrenia can spring up at any age, and it slowly interrupts cognitive and behavioural ability. It is best to consult a doctor in the early stages of the disorder, or once you know of it. Doctors use therapy and medicines to keep the condition under control. Zuclopenthixol was introduced in the year 1978, and it has shown effective results since then.

What is Zuclopenthixol?

Zuclopenthixol is a thioxanthene, a first-generation atypical antipsychotic drug. It works by changing the action of certain chemical messengers in the brain, that are responsible to affect thoughts. It corrects the imbalance of the nervous system, by acting on certain chemicals affecting the nervous system. It is a neuroleptic and is prescribed for mental disorders. Other than Schizophrenia Zuclopenthixol is also prescribed for other psychoses and anxiety.

How is Zuclopenthixol available?

It is injected into the body of the patient through an intravenous route. It comes as a long-acting intramuscular injection or a short-acting intramuscular injection. It is also available in tablet form. (10, 25, and 40 milligrams tablets)

It is a prescription-only medicine and is available at the chemist under the following brand names
•    Clopixol-Acuphase (an injection) by Lundbeck India Pvt Ltd
•    Clopixol (200 mg) (an injection) by Lundbeck India Pvt Ltd
•    Clopixol Depot (an injection) by Lundbeck India Pvt Ltd
•    Clopixol (tablets) by Lundbeck India Pvt Ltd

How to take Zuclopenthixol?

The doctor prescribes the dose as per the condition of the patient, the age, and other factors. If a tablet is prescribed, it has to be taken orally by mouth. The patient needs to follow the directions of the doctor with utmost care. If an injection is prescribed, it is administered into the muscle of the buttock or thigh by a doctor or a qualified medical professional. Never discontinue or alter the doses without the consultation of your doctor.

Dosage

The recommended dose is 50 mg per day, it can go up to a maximum of 600 mg (licensed dose) weekly.

Precautions before taking Zuclopenthixol

You need to inform your doctor about your allergies and other medical issues. Discuss in detail the medicines you may be taking and the risk associated with Zuclopenthixol. There can be drug-drug interactions leading to severe side effects and so it is crucial to discuss this with your doctor.

Inform the doctor if you consume alcohol, if you are breastfeeding or pregnant.

Talk to your doctor if you have any of the following before starting with Zuclopenthixol.
•    Respiratory problems
•    Kidney or liver problems
•    Heart problems
•    Epilepsy
•    Parkinson’s disease
•    Thyroid conditions 

Always stay hydrated and drink lots of water when you start with Zuclopenthixol.
Always keep a check on your blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
You should not drive after taking Zuclopenthixol, as it can make you drowsy.
Mark your calendar and try not to miss your appointments with your doctor.

Side effects of Zuclopenthixol

Zuclopenthixol has some potential side effects. Although the benefits outweigh the side effects, it is important to monitor the side effects too. Discuss with your doctor and take his opinion on any side effects, you may encounter.

Some common side effects are listed below

•    Abnormality of voluntary movements
•    Constipation
•    Dryness in mouth
•    The increased prolactin level in the blood
•    Muscle stiffness
•    A sudden decrease of blood pressure especially on standing (Orthostatic hypotension)
•    Sleepiness
•    Tremors
•    Urinary retention
•    Weight gain

In case of modification of the dosage of the drug or if it is consumed for a long period, or if it doesn’t suit you, there can be some severe side effects. Some of them have been listed below.

Severe side effects of Zuclopenthixol

•    Massive swelling in face, lips, jaw, and tongue
•    Trouble breathing

If you experience any of these symptoms, please seek emergency medical advice and contact your doctor immediately. Zuclopenthixol is a prescription-only medicine and must be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. In some people, it can cause severe adverse effects, lead to toxicity, and in rare cases, an overdose would be lethal.

How do you know if Zuclopenthixol is safe for you?

The mechanism and response to each drug are different in each individual. Each individual has a unique set of genes and these genes are responsible for any reaction your body has to the drugs you consume. Now, with advances in medical science, you can surely know which drug is best suited for you. Indus Health Plus provides the MEDNAwise Pharmacogenomic test, which foresees your body's response to 70+ drugs including Zuclopenthixol depending on your genes. It gives you the power to know your body and its mechanism better. With the MEDNAwise test, the doctor can skip the “trial and error” cycle of the medication, as the test reveals the correct drug and dose suitable for you. 

MEDNAwise test results are beneficial to understand the drugs that would have the most adverse effects and the doctor can take an informed decision. MEDNAwise pharmacogenetic test is a simple, direct-to-consumer test. An easy saliva swab test, you can take it from the comfort of your house. Detailed results are sent to you. Counsellors are available for a free consultation on the test results. They would guide you with diet plans and further health check-ups. Schizophrenia is a complex disorder and it can be stressful for both the patient and the caregiver. Wouldn’t it be best to give the most effective treatment? With the MEDNAwise test, you can be sure. It also is beneficial in any future medical emergencies. With the test results the doctor would know the best line of treatment.

For patients with schizophrenia, the most crucial part is the medication. It allows them to manage the symptoms. Staying vigilant to manage it is of utmost importance. MEDNAwise gives you control over that aspect. You can be stress-free once you know the most effective medicines for your unique self. Good health and life should be priorities for everyone. Sign up for the MEDNAwise pharmacogenetic testing and lead a stress-free and healthier life.