Uncovering Lauroxil: The Key Information You Need to Know
Lauroxil is a medication used to treat schizophrenia. It’s an atypical long-acting injectable antipsychotic approved by the FDA in 2015. Lauroxil can be administered once every few weeks, making it more convenient than daily medication.
How Does Lauroxil Work?
Lauroxil, like other antipsychotics, works by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in regulating movement, motivation, emotions, and reward. People with schizophrenia have overactive dopamine systems, which can lead to symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thoughts.
Lauroxil blocks dopamine receptors in the brain, reducing the amount of dopamine activity. This can help alleviate symptoms. Lauroxil also blocks other neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, which may also play a role in schizophrenia.
Who Can Benefit from Lauroxil?
Lauroxil is approved for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults. It’s typically used for people who have a history of non-adherence to oral medication or who have difficulty with daily dosing. Lauroxil is not recommended for people with dementia-related psychosis, as it may increase the risk of stroke or death.
How is Lauroxil Administered?
Lauroxil is administered via injection into the muscles of the buttocks. The first injection is a loading dose, followed by maintenance injections every 4-8 weeks, depending on the individual. Lauroxil should only be administered by a healthcare professional in a clinical setting.
What Are the Side Effects of Lauroxil?
Like all medications, Lauroxil can cause side effects. Common side effects include injection site reactions, such as pain, swelling, and redness. Other side effects may include weight gain, drowsiness, and muscle stiffness.
Rare but serious side effects may include allergic reactions, difficulty breathing, and an increased risk of stroke in elderly people with dementia-related psychosis.
Conclusion
Lauroxil is a long-acting injectable antipsychotic that can be a convenient option for people with schizophrenia who struggle with daily medication adherence. It works by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain, reducing symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. However, like all medications, it can cause side effects, and it should only be administered by a healthcare professional in a clinical setting.
