Pimozide Description

Generic Name : PIMOZIDE

Pronunciation : (pi' moe zide)

Trade Name(s) : Larap, Mozep, Orap, Pimodac

Why it is prescribed: Pimozide, a tranquilizer, is used to control the vocal and muscular spasms brought on by Tourette's syndrome. It has also been used to control certain emotional and mental conditions.

When it is to be taken: Pimozide is taken one, two, or several times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor to explain any part that you do not understand.

How it should be taken: Pimozide comes in tablets. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose. Do not take more of this medication than as directed.

Special Instruction :
1. Pimozide can cause drowsiness. Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
2. Alcohol adds to the drowsiness caused by pimozide. Limit your consumption of alcoholic beverages.
3. Keep all appointments with your doctor so that your response to pimozide can be evaluated. Your dose may need to be adjusted occasionally.
4. Do not stop taking pimozide without consulting your doctor. Your doctor may want to decrease your dosage gradually before stopping the drug.
5. If you forget to take a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it and take any remaining doses for that day at the regularly scheduled times. If you remember a missed dose at the time you are scheduled to take the next dose, you may take a double dose.

Side Effects :
1. Dry mouth. Suck sugarless hard candies or chew sugarless gum.
2. Dizziness, lightheadedness, and faintness when arising from a sitting or lying position. Get up slowly.
3. Contact your doctor if these effects persist.
4. Drowsiness. Ask your doctor if you may take your entire day's dose at bedtime.
5. Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea or constipation, excessive sweating or salivation, frequent urination, blurred vision or sensitivity to light. If these effects persist or are severe, contact your doctor.
6. Abnormal and uncontrolled muscle tightness or movement in the head and neck, especially in the face, tongue, and jaw muscles; increased shaking of the hands or legs; difficulty walking, especially starting to walk; palpitations; rapid heartbeat. Contact your doctor. Your doctor may prescribe another drug to control these effects.

Other Precautions :
1. Before taking pimozide, tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, especially other tranquilizers, heart medications, seizure medications, sleeping pills, pain medications, muscle relaxants, sedatives, antihistamines, and medications for Parkinson's disease, depression, anxiety, hay fever, allergies, or colds.
2. Before taking pimozide, tell your doctor if you ever had a bad reaction to any other tranquilizer or if you have a history of seizures or heart, blood vessel, kidney, liver, or Parkinson's disease.
3. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should inform their doctors. If you become pregnant while taking pimozide, contact your doctor.
4. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.

Storage Conditions : Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children.