Mellaril

Mellaril

     * Generic Name: thioridazine hcl
     * Brand Name: Mellaril


     * What is thioridazine (Mellaril)?
     * What are the possible side effects of thioridazine (Mellaril)?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       thioridazine (Mellaril)?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       thioridazine (Mellaril)?
     * How should I take thioridazine (Mellaril)?
     * What happens if I miss a dose (Mellaril)?
     * What happens if I overdose (Mellaril)?
     * What should I avoid while taking thioridazine (Mellaril)?
     * What other drugs will affect thioridazine (Mellaril)?
     * Where can I get more information (Mellaril)?

What is thioridazine (Mellaril)?

   Thioridazine is an antipsychotic medicine called a
   phenothiazine (FEEN-oh-THYE-a-zeen). It works by changing the
   actions of chemicals in your brain.

   Thioridazine is used to treat schizophrenia.

   Thioridazine is usually given after other antipsychotic medicines have
   been tried without success.

   Thioridazine may also be used for purposes not listed in this
   medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of thioridazine (Mellaril)?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
   hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
   throat.

   Stop using thioridazine and call your doctor at once if you have:
     * uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip smacking,
       frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement);
     * tremor (uncontrolled shaking), drooling, trouble
       swallowing, problems with balance or walking;
     * headache with chest pain and severe dizziness, fainting, fast
       or pounding heartbeats;
     * confusion, slurred speech;
     * seizure (convulsions);
     * sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, sore throat,
       swollen gums, painful mouth sores, pain when swallowing, skin
       sores, cold or flu symptoms, cough;
     * little or no urinating;
     * decreased night vision, tunnel vision, watery eyes, increased
       sensitivity to light; or
     * severe nervous system reaction--very stiff (rigid) muscles, high
       fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors,
       feeling like you might pass out.

   Common side effects may include:
     * drowsiness;
     * dry mouth, blurred vision;
     * nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea;
     * breast swelling or discharge;
     * changes in your menstrual periods; or
     * swelling in your hands or feet.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about thioridazine
(Mellaril)?

   Thioridazine is not approved for use in psychotic conditions related to
   dementia. Thioridazine may increase the risk of death in older
   adults with dementia-related conditions.

   You should not use thioridazine if you have a heart rhythm disorder, a
   history of Long QT syndrome, untreated or uncontrolled high
   blood pressure, very low blood pressure, or if you have drowsiness,
   slow breathing, weak pulse, or decreased alertness.

   Thioridazine can cause a life-threatening heart rhythm disorder,
   especially if you use certain other medicines at the same time. Many
   medicines should not be taken together with thioridazine, including
   certain antibiotics, antidepressants, heart or blood pressure
   medicine, other antipsychotic medicines, and medicines to treat cancer,
   malaria, HIV or AIDS. Tell your doctor about all medicines
   you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with
   thioridazine.

   Mellaril Patient Information including How Should I Take
   Digestive Disease Myths:Common Misconceptions

   Digestive Disease Myths Slideshow Pictures
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   Weight Gain Shockers:Surprising Reasons You're Gaining Weight

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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking thioridazine
(Mellaril)?

   Thioridazine is not approved for use in psychotic conditions related to
   dementia. Thioridazine may increase the risk of death in older adults
   with dementia-related conditions.

   You should not use thioridazine if you are allergic to it, or if you
   have:
     * a heart rhythm disorder, or history of Long QT syndrome;
     * untreated or uncontrolled high blood pressure;
     * very low blood pressure; or
     * if you have drowsiness, slow breathing, weak pulse, or decreased
       alertness (such as after drinking alcohol or taking medicines that
       make you sleepy).

   Thioridazine can cause a life-threatening heart rhythm disorder,
   especially if you use certain other medicines at the same time. Many
   medicines should not be taken together with thioridazine because they
   may cause this heart rhythm disorder or other serious medical problems.
   This includes:
     * antibiotics;
     * antidepressants;
     * blood pressure medicine;
     * cancer medicine;
     * certain HIV/AIDS medicines;
     * heart rhythm medicine;
     * medicine to treat or prevent malaria; or
     * other antipsychotic medicines.

   Long-term use of thioridazine can cause a serious movement disorder
   that may not be reversible. Symptoms of this disorder include
   uncontrollable muscle movements of your lips, tongue, eyes, face, arms,
   or legs. The longer you take thioridazine, the more likely you are to
   develop this movement disorder. The risk of this side effect is higher
   in women and older adults.

   To make sure thioridazine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you
   have:
     * heart disease, high blood pressure, or a heart rhythm disorder;
     * a history of slow heartbeats that have caused you to faint;
     * past or present breast cancer;
     * liver or kidney disease;
     * a history of seizures;
     * Parkinson's disease;
     * enlarged prostate or urination problems;
     * low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia); or
     * if you have ever had a serious side effect while using thioridazine
       or another phenothiazine.

   Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while
   using this medicine.

   Taking antipsychotic medication during the last 3 months of pregnancy
   may cause problems in the newborn, such as withdrawal symptoms,
   breathing problems, feeding problems, fussiness, tremors, and limp or
   stiff muscles. However, you may have withdrawal symptoms or other
   problems if you stop taking your medicine during pregnancy. If you
   become pregnant while taking thioridazine, do not stop taking it
   without your doctor's advice.

   It is not known whether thioridazine passes into breast milk or if it
   could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
   baby.

How should I take thioridazine (Mellaril)?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may
   occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do
   not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than
   recommended.

   While using thioridazine, you may need frequent blood tests. Your heart
   function may need to be checked using an electrocardiograph or ECG
   (sometimes called an EKG).

   If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are
   using thioridazine.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

   Mellaril Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
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   Digestive Disease Myths Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

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   Weight Gain Shockers:Surprising Reasons You're Gaining Weight

   Weight Gain Shockers Slideshow

What happens if I miss a dose (Mellaril)?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
   it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
   medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Mellaril)?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking thioridazine (Mellaril)?

   Thioridazine may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you
   drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Avoid getting up
   too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get
   up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

   Avoid drinking alcohol. Dangerous side effects could occur.

What other drugs will affect thioridazine (Mellaril)?

   Taking thioridazine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your
   breathing can cause dangerous or life-threatening side effects. Ask
   your doctor before taking a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine,
   prescription cough medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety,
   depression, or seizures.

   Many drugs can interact with thioridazine , and some drugs should not
   be used together. This includes prescription and over-the-counter
   medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions
   are listed in this medication guide. Tell your doctor about all
   medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your
   treatment with thioridazine. Give a list of all your medicines to any
   healthcare provider who treats you.

Where can I get more information (Mellaril)?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about thioridazine.
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