pimozide - oral, Orap
GENERIC NAME: PIMOZIDE - ORAL (PIM-oh-zide)
BRAND NAME(S): Orap
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects |
Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes |
Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This medication is used to reduce uncontrolled movements (motor tics) or outbursts of words/sounds (vocal tics) caused by Tourette syndrome. Pimozide is a medication that works by decreasing the activity of a natural substance (dopamine) in the brain.Pimozide should not be used for mild symptoms. It should only be used if symptoms cause severe problems in everyday life and other medicines or treatments have not been effective.OTHER This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.In Canada, this medication has been used to treat a certain mental/mood disorder (chronic schizophrenia).
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once a day at bedtime or as directed by your doctor.Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your doctor may direct you to take a low dose at first, gradually increasing the dose to lower the chance of side effects such as shaking (tremors).Do not take this drug more often or increase the dose. Your symptoms will not improve any faster, and the risk for heart rhythm problems will be increased. Follow your doctor's directions carefully.Your doctor may order an electrocardiogram (EKG) and laboratory tests before you start this medication. These tests are to find out whether you are at risk for heart rhythm problems from pimozide. Keep all medical/lab appointments.Other drugs, such as stimulant medications (such as methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine), may occasionally worsen tics. Before deciding to start pimozide, your doctor may try to reduce your tics by lowering the stimulant dose. Consult your doctor for more details.Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Grapefruit can increase the amount of this medication in your bloodstream. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Your condition may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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