Pimozide
Introduction To Pimozide
Pimozide is used in the treatment of schizophrenia. It works by altering the thoughts and elevating the mood, thereby improving the person’s ability to think, feel, and behave.
Pimozide may be taken with or without food, preferably at the same time each day. Take it at the same time each day as this helps to maintain a consistent level of medicine in the body. Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor and if you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. This medication mustn't be stopped suddenly without talking to your doctor as it may worsen your symptoms.
Some common side effects of this medicine include dry mouth, abnormality of voluntary movements, urinary retention, constipation, and muscle rigidity. Initially, this medicine may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure when you change positions, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down. It may also cause dizziness and sleepiness, do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you.
Before taking it, inform your doctor if you are suffering from thyroid or kidney problems, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, glaucoma, or any heart problems. You should not take this medicine if you are under the influence of alcohol or any sleep-inducing, cough, and/ or allergy medication. This medicine can also lead to weight gain, eat a healthy balanced diet, avoid snacking with high-calorie food, and exercise regularly.
Uses of Pimozide
- Treatment of Schizophrenia
Benefits of Pimozide
Treatment of Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder in which a person’s thinking ability,
feelings, and behavior become abnormal. Pimozide helps restore the chemical
imbalances in the brain that are responsible for such changes. It improves
thoughts, behavior and enhances the quality of life. It needs to be taken
regularly to work effectively. Do not stop taking it unless your doctor
advises you to as it can worsen your condition.
Side effects of Pimozide
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Pimo
- Sleepiness
- Orthostatic hypotension (sudden lowering of blood pressure on standing)
- Dryness in mouth
- Abnormality of voluntary movements
- Weight gain
- Increased prolactin level in blood
- Urinary retention
- Constipation
- Abnormal vision
- Tremors
How to use Pimozide
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Pimozide may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How Pimozide works
Pimozide is a typical antipsychotic. It works by blocking the action of dopamine, a chemical messenger in the brain that affects thoughts and mood.
Quick tips
- Take it at the same time every day to help you remember to take it.
- Get regular blood tests to monitor the levels of electrolytes (salts such as potassium and magnesium) in your blood as suggested by your doctor.
- Regularly get your heart function monitored as suggested by your doctor.
- It may increase your weight, blood sugar and cholesterol. Eat healthy, exercise regularly and monitor your blood levels regularly.
- Use caution while driving or doing anything that requires concentration as Pimozide can cause dizziness and sleepiness.
- Inform your doctor if you experience symptoms such as high fever, sweating, muscle stiffness, and faster breathing. These may be due to a rare side effect known as a neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
- Do not stop taking Pimozide without talking to your doctor first as it may cause a worsening of symptoms.
Safety Advice
PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Pimozide if I’m pregnant?
Pimozide may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
BreastfeedingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Pimozide if I’m breastfeeding?
Pimozide is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
AlcoholUNSAFE
Is drinking alcohol while taking Pimozide safe?
Pimozide may cause excessive drowsiness with alcohol.
DrivingUNSAFE
Can I drive after taking Pimozide?
Pimozide may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive.
KidneyCAUTION
Can I take Pimozide if I have/had kidney diseases?
Pimozide should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Pimozide may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
LiverCAUTION
Can I take Pimozide if I have/had liver diseases?
Pimozide should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Pimozide may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How does Pimozide work?
Pimozide is an antipsychotic that acts by altering the effect of a chemical (dopamine), thereby, decreasing abnormal activity in the brain.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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