Thioridazine

About Thioridazine

This belongs to the group of medicines known as neuroleptics.

Thioridazine is used to treat schizophrenia.

Thioridazine is effective in helping symptoms such as hearing voices, loss of energy, thought disturbances and difficulties communicating with others as well as other symptoms of schizophrenia.

Thioridazine is available in tablet and oral liquid form.

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

Before taking Thioridazine

Before taking Thioridazine 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 or anyone in your immediate family has suffered from heart problems
• if you suffer from kidney, liver or breathing problems
• if you suffer from Parkinson's disease or myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease),
• if you suffer from epilepsy, porphyria (a blood disorder), phaeochromocytoma (a growth on the adrenal glands), an under active thyroid gland or prostate problems
• if you suffer from glaucoma
• 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 Thioridazine

• Take Thioridazine exactly as directed by you doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible before beginning treatment.
• Try to take Thioridazine at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
• You may have to take Thioridazine for several weeks before you begin to feel better.
• Do not stop taking Thioridazine without speaking to your doctor first. Stopping this medicine suddenly is likely to cause problems such as sickness, diarrhoea and dizziness.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Thioridazine contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Try to take the container with you, 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

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside Thioridazine.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so that your progress can be checked. Your doctor will probably want to carry out an Electrocardiograph (ECG) - an electrical check of the heart - during your treatment.
• Thioridazine may cause drowsiness, blurred vision or dizziness. Make sure you know how Thioridazine affects you before driving, operating machinery, or doing other jobs that could be dangerous if you were not fully alert or able to see well.
• Try to avoid drinking alcohol whilst you are taking Thioridazine. Alcohol will increase any feelings of drowsiness. If you do drink alcohol, drink only a little and be aware of its effects on you.
• Before having any surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon that you are taking Thioridazine.
• Dizziness, light-headedness or fainting may occur, especially when you get up from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly may help. If the problem continues or gets worse then speak with your doctor.
• Thioridazine may cause you to sweat less, causing your body temperature to increase. Take extra care not to become overheated during exercise or hot weather.
• Thioridazine may cause some people's skin to become more sensitive to the sun. Avoid strong sunlight and sun beds whilst taking Thioridazine and use a sun block higher than factor 15.
• Thioridazine can cause dryness of the mouth. If you experience this try sucking sugar-free sweets, pieces of ice or chewing sugar-free gum. If a dry mouth becomes too troublesome, discuss the problem with your doctor or pharmacist.

Can Thioridazine cause problems?

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

Drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, headaches, shakiness and muscle stiffness, trouble sleeping, dry mouth, blurred vision, feeling or being sick, diarrhoea, constipation, loss of appetite, difficulty passing water, irregular menstrual periods, sexual problems, skin rashes, unintentional movements, feeling slow, agitation, a fever (high temperature) or uncontrollable movements of the tongue, face and jaw.

IMPORTANT: If you experience a fast/fluttering heartbeat, breathlessness, fainting or pains in the chest contact your doctor immediately.

IMPORTANT: If you experience 'flu like' symptoms such as stiffness, high temperature, abnormal paleness, leaking bladder and a racing heartbeat contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital immediately.

IMPORTANT: If you have problems with your eyesight such as blurring, everything having a brownish colouring or problems seeing at night, speak with your doctor as soon as possible.

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 Thioridazine

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Do not keep any out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 18/05/2005