Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Zuclopenthixolis prescribed to address schizophrenia. It specifically falls under the classification of antipsychotics, also known as neuroleptics. These medications exert their effects on nerve pathways in specific regions of the brain, working to rectify certain chemical imbalances that contribute to the manifestation of symptoms associated with the illness.
Uses and Dosage
If your prescription involves tablets, adhere to your doctor’s instructions regarding dosage adjustments to suit your condition. Take the tablets precisely as directed, and you might initially start with a smaller dose, gradually increasing it. The total daily tablet requirement will likely be divided into at least two doses.
Establish a routine by taking your doses at consistent times each day to minimize the risk of missing any. Zuclopenthixol tablets are not influenced by food in the stomach, so you can take them before or after meals. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water.
In case you forget a dose, take it as soon as you recall, unless it’s close to the time for your next dose. Avoid taking two doses together to compensate for a missed one.
For those prescribed an injection, a doctor or nurse will administer it, typically into a muscle in your buttock or upper leg. If it’s your first time receiving an injection like zuclopenthixol, a small test dose might be given to assess your tolerance before administering the normal dose.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- drowsiness, sleepiness
- inability to sleep
- abnormal dreams
- headache
- fatigue
- depressed mood
- anxiousness
- nervousness, agitation
- headaches
- nasal congestion
- dry mouth
- constipation or diarrhoea
- increased salivation or increased sweating
- nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia
- weight and appetite changes
- change in your menstrual periods
- impaired sexual function
- swelling of hands, ankles or feet
- skin rash, itching
- abnormal sensations, such as burning or prickling
- changes in attention and memory
- dizziness or spinning sensation
- painful or weak muscles
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- sudden onset of unusual movements, including trembling and shaking of the hands and fingers, twisting movements of the body, or shuffling walk and stiffness of the arms and legs
- worm-like movements of the tongue or other uncontrolled movements of the mouth, tongue, cheeks or jaws, which may progress to the arms and legs
- inability to keep still
- increased, slowed or unusual muscle movements
- feeling dizzy when standing up
- irregular heartbeat and changes in heart rate and blood pressure
- fainting
- blurred vision or difficulty focusing
- difficulty passing urine
- increased urination or other urinary disorder
- high pressure in the eye
- unusual secretion of breast milk
- breast enlargement in men
- difficult or painful breathing
- frequent infections such as fever, severe chills, sore throat or mouth ulcers
- bleeding or bruising more easily than normal, nosebleeds
- yellowing of the skin and/or eyes, also called jaundice
- severe pain in the stomach with bloating, gut cramps and vomiting
Caution
- For optimal benefits from zuclopenthixol, your treatment requires careful monitoring. Attend your regular doctor’s appointments to facilitate progress checks, and periodic tests may be necessary.
- If you miss an appointment for a maintenance long-acting (‘depot’) injection, promptly contact your doctor to reschedule and ensure the injection is administered without undue delay.
- Before dental treatment or surgery, inform the healthcare provider about your zuclopenthixol treatment, as it may affect anesthesia.
- Be aware that medications similar to zuclopenthixol can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight. Consider using sunscreen in bright sunlight until you understand your skin’s reaction.
- If you have diabetes, monitor blood glucose levels more frequently, as zuclopenthixol may impact sugar levels. Your doctor will provide guidance on this.
- If you consume alcohol, seek advice from your doctor, as it can heighten the risk of side effects from zuclopenthixol and should be avoided.
- Before taking any ‘over-the-counter’ medicines, consult a pharmacist to ensure compatibility with zuclopenthixol.
- Typically, zuclopenthixol treatment is long-term unless adverse effects occur. Continue taking it unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Abruptly stopping prolonged use may pose problems, so if discontinuation becomes necessary after regular use, your doctor will likely recommend a gradual dose reduction, especially if taken regularly for a year or more.
- Continue taking this medication as directed by your doctor, even if you feel well, as untreated mental/mood disorders can be serious.
- Zuclopenthixol may pass into breast milk and have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. If your baby develops symptoms such as muscle stiffness or shakiness, unusual sleepiness, or difficulty feeding, seek medical help immediately. Consult with your doctor before breast-feeding while taking zuclopenthixol.
Form and Strength
Clopixol is available in the following forms and strengths:
- Clopixol tablet:
- 2 mg
FAQ
Is Clopixol a sedative?
Yes, Clopixol is a sedative drug. Alertness may be impaired, especially at the start of treatment, or following the consumption of alcohol.
How long does it take Clopixol to work?
It may take between four and six months before you feel better. Your doctor will decide the duration of treatment.
