Pimozide (By Mouth)

Pimozide (PI-moe-zide)

Treats symptoms of Tourette's syndrome such as uncontrolled body movements or vocal sounds. It is used when these symptoms are severe.

Brand Name(s):

Orap
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to pimozide or medicines to treat mental problems such as haloperidol, molindone, loxapine, thiothixene, perphenazine, thioridazine, and others. You should not use this medicine if you are using itraconazole, ketoconazole, ritonavir, saquinavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, nefazodone, or zileuton. You should not use this medicine if you have an irregular heartbeat or if you are using any of these antibiotic medicines: clarithromycin, erythromycin, azithromycin, dirithromycin, or troleandomycin. Pimozide used with certain antibiotics can cause severe heart problems.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use and how often. You should not use more of the medicine than your doctor ordered.

If a dose is missed:

• Use the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose.
• Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the tablets at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Tell your doctor if you are also using pemoline (Cylert®), methylphenidate (Ritalin®), or amphetamines (Dexedrine®).
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using other drugs that could make you sleepy, such as sleeping pills, tranquilizers, antidepressants, strong pain killers, or cold or allergy medicine. Avoid drinking alcohol while using this medicine. You may get too drowsy or sedated if you drink alcohol or use medicines that cause drowsiness with pimozide.
• Some antidepressants, tranquilizers, and medicines to treat mental problems, emotional problems, or an irregular heartbeat can cause or worsen heart problems if used with pimozide. Talk with your doctor about this.
• Do not drink grapefruit juice while using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Check with your doctor before using pimozide if you have seizures, an enlarged prostate, trouble urinating, glaucoma, or heart, liver, or kidney disease.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
• This medicine may make you drowsy or dizzy. Be careful if driving or using machinery.
• Do not suddenly stop using pimozide without checking with your doctor. You may need to use smaller and smaller doses before completely stopping the medicine.
• This medicine may cause side effects that include muscle spasms, twitching in the face and body, and uncontrolled tongue or jaw movement. Talk to your doctor about this.
• Your doctor may want to check your heart rhythm while you are using this medicine. Make sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Fast or irregular heartbeat, fast breathing
• Fever, severe muscle stiffness
• Muscle spasms, twitching, uncontrolled tongue or jaw movement
• Restlessness or feeling as if you need to be moving constantly
• Spasms or cramps in the neck, face, or back

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Constipation
• Drowsiness, dizziness, headache
• Dry mouth
• Vision changes, such as trouble focusing

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.