What is Mellaril/Thioridazine – used for?

This medicine is used to manage severely ill schizophrenic patients who do not respond to other medications. This medicine 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.

If you have any questions about your medicine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider. This medicine is only to be used by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not give it to others. This information is advisory only. It does not contain all information about this medicine. If you have any questions about your medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

How should Mellaril/Thioridazine – be stored?

Store below 86 degrees F in a tightly closed container.

General drug information:

When should Mellaril/Thioridazine – not be taken?

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

What precautions should I follow when taking Mellaril/Thioridazine –?

Before using this medicine, 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

What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Mellaril/Thioridazine –?

This medicine should not be given to children under 1 year of age. Antacids and antidiarrheal drugs may inhibit the absorption of phenothiazines.

What are the side effects of Mellaril/Thioridazine –?

Most severe:  Involuntary movements of tongue, face, mouth or jaw (eg, protrusion of tongue, puffing of cheeks, puckering of mouth, chewing movements); increased body heat; rigid muscles; altered mental abilities, including lack of response to your surrou

Most common:  Blurred vision; drowsiness; dry mouth; constipation; nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; nasal stuffiness; pale skin; increased/spontaneous flow of breast milk; swelling of breasts; absence of menstrual flow; swelling in hands and feet; skin inflammation; hives; ejaculation problems.

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

How should I take Mellaril/Thioridazine –?

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 the medicine you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Carefully read the information provided with this medicine and reread it each time you get this prescription refilled. Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your health care provider. Involuntary and uncontrollable movements may develop in patients taking this medicine. 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 this medicine. 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. This medicine 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 this medicine. This medicine 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 this medication 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 this medicine. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking this medication. 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.