Clopixol Depot Description

Clopixol Depot contains Zuclopenthixol Decanoate, a long-acting injection administered by a health professional every 2-4 weeks for treating schizophrenia and other psychotic illnesses in adults. If you started out by taking Clopixol tablets but are still experiencing disturbed thoughts and emotional behavior, your doctor may slowly change you over to Clopixol Depot injections to stop further episodes.

Clopixol Depot Works on the Brain Chemical Known as Dopamine

The Clopixol Depot injection is given into the muscle of your thigh or buttocks by a health professional, usually in a hospital, clinic, or your doctor’s office. The medication then forms a reservoir so it is slowly released into your bloodstream. This is repeated every 2 to 4 weeks. The active ingredient, Zuclopenthixol Decanoate, will block the dopamine receptors so dopamine cannot act on them which results in a decrease of dopamine’s activity. The calming effect helps control your delusions and hallucinations, allowing you to function better.

Conditions Treated by Clopixol Depot

A major cause of schizophrenia among adults is frequent or long-term substance abuse, usually cocaine and methamphetamines (meth). This can alter your brain’s ability to regulate brain chemicals, also called neurotransmitters. The over-activity of dopamine in particular can cause your symptoms of paranoia, aggression, and disorganized thoughts.

Schizophrenia typically begins to start showing symptoms in early adulthood in men between ages 16-25 years of age while women tend to develop symptoms sometime around the age of 30. There is no cure for schizophrenia, but Clopixol Depot or other anti psychotic drugs can help you control the symptoms. Drugs alone may not be enough, though. You should seek help from a psychotherapist so you can learn about your condition and know how to cope with your symptoms. A good support system that involves your family, friends, and even coworkers can keep you on the right path.

Before Clopixol Depot is Administered

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, thinking of becoming pregnant, or are breast feeding before having a Clopixol Depot injection as it may be harmful to your unborn or nursing baby. Explain other medical conditions or allergies you have to your doctor and list any OTC or Rx meds you currently take or use, including street drugs, that could interfere with how Clopixol Depot works.

Recommendations and Safe Use of Clopixol Depot

Keep all doctor appointments so drug levels of Zuclopenthixol Decanoate do not become too low between injections. Do not drive, operate machinery, or attempt any task that requires your complete attention as Clopixol Depot can make you drowsy. Talk to your doctor before you start, stop, or change the dosage of any meds you take as this could affect how your body will react to Clopixol Depot.

Possible Side Effects of Clopixol Depot

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Sleep problems
• Pain or redness at the injection site

Drugs Similar to Clopixol Depot

• Fluanxol
• Zyprexa
• Geodon