Sign inBefore taking zuclopenthixol
Before taking zuclopenthixol make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you have any heart problems.
- If you have liver, kidney or breathing problems.
- If you have Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, or depression.
- If you have phaeochromocytoma (a growth on the adrenal glands).
- If you have myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease), prostate problems, or glaucoma.
- If you have porphyria (a rare blood disorder).
- If you have ever had jaundice or a blood disorder.
- If you are more than 50 years of age.
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
How to take zuclopenthixol
- Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- The injection form of zuclopenthixol will be given to you by your doctor or nurse.
- If you are taking zuclopenthixol tablets, take them exactly as directed by your doctor and try to take them at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
- If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose in which case skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up.
Getting the most from your treatment
- You may have to take zuclopenthixol for several weeks before you feel the full effect.
- Do not stop taking zuclopenthixol 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.
- Zuclopenthixol can cause drowsiness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing other jobs that could be dangerous if you were not fully alert. This is especially important when you first begin treatment with zuclopenthixol.
- It is best to not drink alcohol while you are taking zuclopenthixol as it will increase feelings of drowsiness.
- If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
- Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
- If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Can zuclopenthixol 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.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Drowsiness, dizziness and blurred vision | Make sure you know how you react before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert or able to see properly |
| Dry mouth | Try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking sugar-free sweets or pieces of ice. If dry mouth becomes a problem speak with your doctor or pharmacist |
| Light-headedness or fainting (especially when getting up from a lying or sitting position) | Getting up slowly may help. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down so that you do not faint, then sit for a few moments before standing to prevent the dizziness returning |
| Shakiness, abnormal face and body movements, restlessness, uncontrollable movements of the tongue, face, and jaw | Let your doctor know about any of these |
| Less common side-effects may include weakness, mood changes, insomnia, headache, confusion, constipation, diarrhoea, tummy ache, a stuffy nose, problems urinating, changes in menstruation, breast problems, sexual problems, weight gain, skin rashes, and a purple tint to the skin and eyes | If any of these become troublesome, speak with your doctor |
- Muscle stiffness, a high temperature, abnormal paleness, losing consciousness, sweating and a fast heartbeat.
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes).
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store zuclopenthixol
- 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
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References
- Manufacturer's PIL, Clopixol® Tablets, Lundbeck Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated February 2007, accessed June 2009.
- Manufacturer's PIL, Clopixol Acuphase® Injection 100 mg/2 ml, Lundbeck Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated June 2008, accessed June 2009.
- Manufacturer's PIL, Clopixol® Injection, Lundbeck Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated June 2008, accessed June 2009.
- British National Formulary; 57th Edition (March 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).