Pimozide

PIMOZIDE - ORAL (PIM-oh-zide)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Orap

USES: This medication works in the nervous system to help control involuntary or unconscious movements (tics) both physical and verbal. It is used to reduce tics in persons with Tourette's Disorder.

HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION: Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not take this more often or increase your dose without consulting your doctor. Your condition will not improve any faster and the risk of serious side effects will be increased. Your dose may be slowly and gradually increased or decreased at times to see if the tics continue. Follow any changes in dosing carefully. Do not stop taking this drug suddenly if you have been taking this for some time. Your dose should be gradually reduced over time.

SIDE EFFECTS: Dry mouth, drowsiness, headache, stomach upset, change in appetite, or sleeplessness may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. Blurred vision, change in sex drive, nervousness, muscle cramps, behavior changes, or menstrual changes may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Notify your doctor immediately of: dizziness, fainting; rapid or irregular heartbeat; mental confusion, difficulty speaking, sweating, tremors, drooling, stiff muscles, difficulty walking, unusual eye movements, chest pain, increased body heat, abnormal movements of the tongue/face/jaw (puffing cheeks, chewing, puckering mouth), seizures. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have: pre-existing liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease, heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias), glaucoma, prostate problems, any allergies. This medication may cause bluured vision. Use caution operating machinery or engaging in activities requiring alertness. Avoid alcohol intake while taking this medication. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this medication appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any prescription or nonprescription medication you may use, especially: narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine); sedatives, macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, clarithromycin); anti-seizure drugs (e.g., phenytoin or phenobarbital); azole antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole); psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines, antidepressants such as tricyclics and nefazodone, and benzodiazepines); astemizole, cisapride, terfenadine, mibefradil, zileuton, HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., saquinavir, ritonavir, indinavir, nelfinavir). Tell your doctor if you take drugs affecting the heart (including QT prolongation) such as: quinidine, procainamide, disopyramide, amiodarone, bepridil. Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include weakness, fatigue, dizziness, decreased sexual ability, numbness, drowsiness, irregular heartbeat, and seizures.

NOTES: Laboratory tests may be done periodically while taking this medication to monitor the effects. See your doctor regularly.

MISSED DOSE: Try to take each dose at the scheduled time. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom.