Tablet

Generic

Mellaril (thioridazine) is used to manage severely ill schizophrenic patients who do not respond to other medications. Mellaril (thioridazine) is particularly useful: in chronic hospitalized psychotic patients; in psychotic outpatients; in geriatric patients suffering from severe agitation, anxiety or mixed states of anxiety and depression, often associated with various degrees of an organic brain syndrome; during alcohol withdrawal for the relief of symptoms such as anxiety, agitation, hostility, or hallucinations; as an adjuvant treatment in agitated depression; in children with severe behavioral disorders such as emotional instability, hyperexcitability, excessive motor activity, and aggressiveness.

Do not take Mellaril (thioridazine) if you are allergic to any ingredient in Mellaril (thioridazine) you large amounts of CNS depressants (alcohol, barbiturates, narcotics) you have heart disease or extreme blood pressure levels

Before using Mellaril (thioridazine), tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking any other prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement if you have any other medical condition

Mellaril (thioridazine) should not be given to children under 1 year of age. Antacids and antidiarrheal drugs may inhibit the absorption of phenothiazines.

Other:  Brownish coloring of vision; reduced ability to see at night; sensitivity to sunlight; change in pupil size; headache; restlessness; swelling; excitement; confusion.

How much medicine you take and how often you take it depends on many factors, including the condition being treated, your age, and weight. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of Mellaril (thioridazine) you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Carefully read the information provided with Mellaril (thioridazine) and reread it each time you get this prescription refilled. Take Mellaril (thioridazine) exactly as prescribed by your health care provider. Involuntary and uncontrollable movements may develop in patients taking Mellaril (thioridazine). Occurrence is highest among the elderly, especially women. The risk of developing these involuntary movements and the likelihood they will become permanent are increased with long-term use and with high doses. However it is possible to develop these symptoms after short-term treatment at low doses. Contact your health care provider at once if any of the following occur: Involuntary movements of tongue, face, mouth or jaw (eg, protrusion of tongue, puffing of cheeks, puckering of mouth, chewing movements), sometimes accompanied by involuntary movements of the arms and legs. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) has been associated with Mellaril (thioridazine). Symptoms include increased body heat; rigid muscles; altered mental abilities, including lack of response to your surroundings; irregular pulse and blood pressure; increased heart rate; sweating; irregular heart rhythm. Contact your doctor at once if any of these symptoms occur. Mellaril (thioridazine) may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination or physical dexterity. Avoid drinking alcohol and taking other medicines that can cause drowsiness (eg, sleeping pills, antihistamines) while taking Mellaril (thioridazine). Mellaril (thioridazine) may cause sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun or other forms of UV light (such as tanning beds). Use sunscreens and wear protective clothing until tolerance is determined. Lab tests will be required to monitor therapy. Be sure to keep appointments. Do not stop taking Mellaril (thioridazine) without checking with your doctor. Do not take more medication than prescribed unless advised to do so by your doctor or health care provider. Contact your health care provider at once if you feel you have taken too much of Mellaril (thioridazine). Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking Mellaril (thioridazine). Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your doctor. This includes any herbal preparations or dietary supplements. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Store Mellaril (thioridazine) below 86 degrees F in a tightly closed container.