Pipotiazine Depot Injection

About Pipotiazine Depot Injection

This belongs to the group of medicines known as Neuroleptics.

Pipotiazine Depot Injection is used to treat mental illness with symptoms such as hearing, seeing or sensing things that are not there, mistaken beliefs and problems dealing with other people.

Pipotiazine Depot Injection is a long acting form of pipothiazine that is injected into the muscles of the buttocks. From there pipotiazine slowly enters the rest of the body, so one injection can last up to 4 weeks.

Pipotiazine is also known as pipothiazine, you may notice either name on the package of your medicine.

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

Before Using Pipotiazine Depot Injection

Before starting treatment with Pipotiazine Depot Injection make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from liver, kidney, breathing or heart problems
• if you suffer from Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, depression, myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease), prostate problems, porphyria (a blood disorder), phaeochromocytoma (a growth on the adrenal gland) or glaucoma
• if you suffer from postural hypotension (if you become dizzy when getting up from a sitting or lying position)
• 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

How to Use Pipotiazine Depot Injection

• Do not stop this treatment without first speaking with your doctor. Your doctor will probably want to reduce the dose you are using gradually, as stopping treatment suddenly can cause problems.
• If you suspect that you or someone else have had an overdose of Pipotiazine Depot Injection 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.
• Pipotiazine Depot Injection 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 to take alongside Pipotiazine Depot Injection.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor. You will probably have to undergo tests during your treatment to ensure the dose you are taking is right for you.
• Pipotiazine Depot Injection 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. If you do drink alcohol, drink only in moderation and be aware of its effects on you.
• Before having any surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the surgeon, doctor or dentist that you are taking Pipotiazine Depot Injection.
• Pipotiazine can cause constipation. Constipation can often be eased by eating plenty of fibre, such as fruit, vegetables, potatoes, bran etc. and drinking plenty of water. If these measures do not ease your constipation, discuss the problem with your doctor.
• Pipotiazine Depot Injection can occasionally cause dry mouth. If you experience this, 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.
• Pipotiazine Depot Injection can cause your skin to become more sensitive to sunlight than it usually is. Try to avoid the sun and sunbeds until you know how your skin reacts or use a suncream higher than factor 15.
• Pipotiazine Depot Injection can cause EPR side effects (ExtraPyramidal Reactions) in some people. Signs of EPR are : Shakiness, abnormal face and body movements, restlessness, uncontrollable movements of the tongue, face and jaw. If you start to experience any of these symptoms you should seek advice from your doctor. Your doctor can then adjust your treatment to suit you and may prescribe a medicine to help with the EPR side effects.

Can Pipotiazine Depot Injection cause problems?

The area where you have had the injection can sometimes become painful, red and swollen or lumpy. If this happens and becomes too uncomfortable tell your doctor.

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted symptoms, 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.

Shakiness, abnormal face and body movements, restlessness, uncontrollable movements of the tongue face and jaw, drowsiness, mood changes, insomnia (trouble sleeping), dizziness, headache, confusion, constipation, diarrhoea, tummy ache, a stuffy nose, dry mouth, problems urinating (passing water), blurred vision, a fast or thumping heartbeat, changes in menstruation (periods), breast problems, sexual problems, weight gain, skin rashes, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) or a, purple tint to the skin and eyes.

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.

If you experience any other worrying or troublesome symptoms, which you think may be due to Pipotiazine Depot Injection, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Pipotiazine Depot Injection

• 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.

Any more questions?If you have any more questions about this or any other medicine your pharmacist will be able to answer them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 25/03/2003