Thioridazine Description

Generic Name : THIORIDAZINE

Pronunciation : (thye oh rid' a zeen)

Trade Name(s) : Melleril, Melozine, Ridazin, Tensaril, Thioril, Thiozid,

Why it is prescribed: Thioridazine is a tranquilizer used to treat emotional and mental conditions. It also is used to treat depression, behavior problems in children, and sleep distrubances.

When it is to be taken: Thioridazine usually is taken three times a day. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor to explain any part that you do not understand.

How it should be taken: Thioridazine comes in the form of regular tablets, film-coated tablets, and oral liquid. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose. The concentrate comes with a specially marked dropper for measuring the dose. Dilute the concentrate in water or fruit juice just before taking it. You may obtain a specially marked measuring spoon to be sure of an accurate dose of the suspension. Shake the suspension bottle well before each use to mix the medication evenly. Do now allow the suspension or concentrate to touch your skin or clothing; it can irritate your skin.

Special Instruction :
1. Thioridazine cause drowsiness. Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you know this drug affects you.
2. Although thiordazine is not habit-forming, do not stop taking it abruptly, especially if you have been taking it for a long time. Your doctor probably will want to decrease your dose gradually.
3. Keep all appointments with your doctor. Your dose may need to be adjusted occasionally, especially when you first take this drug. You also should have eye examinations periodically if you take thioridazine for a long time.
4. 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 evenly spaced intervals. However, if you remember a missed dose at the time you are scheduled to take the next one, take only the regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.

Side Effects :
1. Drowsiness. This effect usually disappears after you have taken thioridazine for a few weeks.
2. Skin discoloration. Stay out of the sun and contact your doctor.
3. Constipation, difficulty urinating, blurred vision, sore throat, fever, skin rash, yellow skin, weakness, muscle spasms, fine worm-like tongue movements, tremors, shuffling walk, inability to sit still, jerky movements. Contact your doctor.

Other Precautions :
1. Before taking thioridazine, tell your doctor if you have heart, liver, or kidney disease; glaucoma; an enlarged prostate; difficulty urinating, asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or lung disease; or a history of seizures.
2. Before you take thioridazine, tell your doctor if you ever had a bad reaction to insulin, shock therapy, or any other tranquilizer or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. If you become pregnant, notify your doctor promptly.
3. Before taking thioridazine, tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, especially lithium, seizure medication, sedatives, sleeping pills, pain medication, muscle relaxants, antihistamines, and medication for depression, Parkinson's disease, hay fever, allergies, or colds.
4. Before having surgery, including dental surgery, with a general anesthetic, tell the doctor that you take thioridazine.
5. Avoid exposure to extreme heat or cold. Thioridazine decreases your ability to regulate body temperature, resulting in overheating or severe chilling. Do not swim in extremely cold water. Thioridazine can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Stay out of the sun when possible and wear protective clothing, a sunscreen preparation, and sunglasses.
6. Alcohol adds to the drowsiness caused by thioridazine. Limit your consumption of alcoholic beverages.
7. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.

Storage Conditions :
1. Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children.
2. Store it at room temperature.