Zotepine

About zotepine

This belongs to the group of medicines known as atypical antipsychotics.

Zotepine blocks dopamine receptors in the brain. Since overactivity of dopamine is thought to cause mental illness, blocking dopamine activity should make you feel better.

Zotepine is effective in helping symptoms of schizophrenia such as hearing voices, seeing things that are not really there, thought disturbances, lack of emotion, depression and overcoming feelings of wanting to be alone.

Zotepine is available in tablet form in the following strengths: 25mg, 50mg and 100mg.

It is also sometimes known as: Zoleptil. You may notice the use of either of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before taking zotepine

Before taking zotepine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from heart, liver, kidney (including kidney stones) or prostate problems
• if you or anyone in your immediate family suffers from epilepsy
• if you suffer from difficulty urinating (passing water) or glaucoma
• if you are severely constipated
• if you have suffered from gout within the last three weeks
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to take zotepine

• Take zotepine exactly as directed by your doctor and always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Try to take zotepine at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses. If you do forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember then continue taking it at the usual times. However, if it is nearly time for your next dose, leave out the missed dose and continue as normal. Never take two doses at the same time to compensate.
• Do not stop taking zotepine without speaking to your doctor first.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of zotepine contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Zotepine can cause drowsiness, dizziness and blurred vision. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert or able to see properly.
• Try to avoid alcohol as it will increase feelings of drowsiness. (If you do drink alcohol, drink only a little and be aware of its effects on you.)
• Keep your regular appointment with your doctor so your progress can be checked.
• Avoid stopping treatment with zotepine suddenly.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental and emergency treatment, tell your doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking zotepine.
• Zotepine may cause lightheadness and dizziness when getting up from a lying or sitting position; particularly when you begin treatment, getting up slowly should help.
• Zotepine can occasionally cause a dry mouth. If you experience this try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking pieces of ice or sugar-free sweets. If a dry mouth becomes too troublesome, discuss the problem with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Zotepine can cause some people to sweat more than they usually do. Take care not to become overheated during exercise or in hot weather.

Can zotepine 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 if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome:

Weight gain, dizziness, stiffness or uncontrollable movements of the body, constipation, indigestion, dry mouth or production of too much saliva in the mouth, a fast heartbeat, a runny nose, being easily irritated, anxiety (worry), changes in moods, difficulty sleeping, drowsiness or blurred vision, sweating, drop in blood pressure when standing up.

This medicine may rarely cause a decrease in the normal amounts of blood cells in the blood.

You should consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms: unexplained bruising or bleeding, purple spots, sore throat, mouth ulcers, fever (high temperature), feeling tired or general illness. Your doctor may want to take a blood test to check your blood cells.

Consult your doctor immediately if you experience the following symptoms while taking this medicine: high fever, sweating, muscle stiffness, faster breathing and drowsiness or sleepiness. These symptoms may be due to a rare side effect known as the "neuroleptic malignant syndrome", and your treatment may need to be stopped.

Consult your doctor immediately if you experience abnormal movements, particularly of the face, lips, jaw and tongue, while taking this medicine. These symptoms may be indicative of a rare side effect known as "tardive dyskinesia", and your doctor may ask you to stop taking this medicine, or decrease your dose.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store zotepine

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely, out of the reach of children, or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS 2006   Updated: 31/01/2006