Pimozide

About pimozide

Pimozide works by improving thoughts, feelings and behaviour when these are disturbed and preventing these disturbances from returning.

Before taking pimozide

Before taking pimozide make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you suffer from any heart problems, including irregular heart beat, or if you have a family history of heart problems.
• If you suffer from liver, kidney or breathing problems.
• If you suffer from Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, depression, myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease), prostate problems, any blood disorders, thyroid problems or glaucoma.
• If you suffer from postural hypotension (if you become dizzy when getting up from a sitting or lying position).
• If you have a condition called phaeochromocytoma (a non-cancerous tumour of the adrenal gland).
• If you have a history of jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes).
• If your reactions are slower than usual or your awareness is reduced, either due to illness, other medicines you are taking or for any other reason.
• If you are taking any other drugs for schizophrenia, depression, prevention or treatment of malaria, heart conditions, allergies (antihistamines), fungal infections, or if you are taking diuretics or any antibiotics.
• 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 or complementary medicines.

• Pimozide is not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age.

How to take pimozide

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Try to take pimozide at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
• You may have to take pimozide for several weeks before you feel the full effect.
• Do not stop taking pimozide without speaking to your doctor first. Your doctor will probably want to reduce the dose you are taking gradually, as stopping treatment suddenly can cause unwanted effects such as feeling or being sick, sweating or sleeplessness.
• If you forget to take a dose, take your next dose as usual and continue taking your medicine as directed by your doctor. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up. If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor. Your doctor may want to check your heart before beginning and during your treatment. Along with this you will probably have to undergo tests before and during your treatment to ensure the dose you are taking is right for you.
• Before having any surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon that you are taking pimozide.
• Pimozide can alter your body's ability to keep cool. Avoid strenuous exercise or extreme heat, and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
• Pimozide can cause some people's skin to become more sensitive to sunlight than it usually is. Avoid sunbeds and try to avoid the sun until you know how your skin reacts. Use a suncream higher than factor 15.
• You should avoid drinking grapefruit juice whilst taking pimozide.
• Before taking any over-the-counter medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe to take alongside pimozide.

Can pimozide 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.

Other side-effects may include convulsions (fits), anxiety (worry), difficulty sleeping, indigestion, weakness, excessive sweating, headache, loss of sexual desire and impotence, low blood pressure and traces of sugar in the urine. After prolonged use, women may suffer from inappropriate milk secretion, changes in the regularity of their periods or an absence of their monthly period. Men may experience some breast swelling. If you experience these or any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

Important: If you experience high fever, rapid heart rate, faster breathing or shortness of breath, abnormal sweating, muscle stiffness, reduced consciousness, skin rash, itching or swelling of the face, stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately.

Important: If you experience jerking, muscle stiffness, trembling, restlessness, twitching, abnormal movements of the tongue, face, mouth, jaw or throat, or rolling of the eyes, contact your doctor who may give you an additional medicine.

Important: If you experience an increased desire to drink large amounts of water, changes in the rhythm of your heart or changes in body temperature, speak to your doctor as soon as possible.

How to store pimozide

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

Important information about all medicines