Before taking pericyazine

Before taking pericyazine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you suffer from any heart or circulation problems (including stroke).
• If you suffer from liver, kidney or breathing problems.
• If you suffer from Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, depression, or myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease).
• If you suffer from prostate problems, phaeochromocytoma (a growth on the adrenal glands) or glaucoma.
• If you suffer from a blood disorder.
• If you suffer from postural hypotension (if you become dizzy when getting up from a sitting or lying position).
• If you have ever had jaundice.
• If you are at risk of hyperthermia (high body temperature) in very hot weather or hypothermia (low body temperature) in very cold weather.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
• If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.

How to take pericyazine

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Take pericyazine exactly as you have been told to by your doctor. Swallow the tablets with a small glass of water.
• Try to get into the habit of taking pericyazine at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
• If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. If your next dose is nearly due then skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.
• You may have to take pericyazine for several weeks before you feel the full effect.
• Do not stop taking pericyazine without first speaking with your doctor. Your doctor will probably want to reduce the dose you are taking gradually, as stopping treatment suddenly can cause problems.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be checked.
• Pericyazine can cause drowsiness, dizziness and blurred vision. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert or able to see properly.
• Alcohol will increase feelings of drowsiness and other unwanted side-effects. It is best to avoid drinking alcohol.
• Before having any surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon that you are taking pericyazine.
• Before buying any medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe to take alongside pericyazine.
• Pericyazine can cause some people's skin to become more sensitive to sunlight than it usually is. Do not use sunbeds, and try to avoid the sun until you know how your skin reacts or use a suncream higher than factor 15.

Can pericyazine cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes).
• Dark urine, itching or swelling of the tongue.
• 'Flu-like' symptoms with sweating, stiffness, a high body temperature, abnormal paleness and a racing heartbeat.

How to store pericyazine

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

References

• British National Formulary; 56th Edition (September 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.