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Description
Indications
Pimozide is employed to manage motor or verbal tics, which entail an involuntary compulsion to repeat specific movements or sounds, arising from Tourette’s disorder. Pimozide is selectively prescribed for individuals who are either unsuitable candidates for alternative medications or have previously experienced unsatisfactory outcomes with other treatments. Its application is recommended solely for the alleviation of profound tics that significantly impede the individual’s capacity for learning, professional engagement, or routine activities. Categorized within the conventional antipsychotics, pimozide operates by mitigating abnormal excitability within the brain.
Uses and Dosage
Pimozide is supplied in tablet form for oral consumption. Typically, it is ingested once daily at bedtime or potentially multiple times throughout the day. To maintain consistency, endeavor to consume pimozide at approximately the same time(s) daily.
Precisely adhere to the prescribed directions for taking pimozide. Refrain from altering the dosage—neither increasing nor decreasing it, and avoid exceeding the frequency recommended by your doctor.
Your physician will likely initiate your treatment with a conservative pimozide dose, subsequently adjusting it at intervals of no less than 2 or 3 days. Once your condition is effectively managed, your doctor may consider reducing your dosage. Provide regular feedback on your well-being to your doctor during your pimozide treatment.
Pimozide effectively manages Tourette’s disorder, but it doesn’t offer a cure. It might take some time before the complete benefits of pimozide become apparent. Even if you experience an improvement, it’s crucial to continue the prescribed pimozide regimen. Abruptly discontinuing pimozide without consulting your doctor could lead to difficulties in controlling your movements. If a decision is made to discontinue the medication, your doctor is likely to oversee a gradual reduction of your dose.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- weakness
- dizziness, feeling unsteady, or having trouble keeping your balance
- dry mouth
- increased saliva
- diarrhea
- constipation
- unusual hunger or thirst
- changes in posture
- nervousness
- changes in behavior
- difficulty tasting food
- sensitivity to light
- changes in vision
- decreased sexual ability in men
- blank facial expression
- shuffling walk
- unusual, slowed, or uncontrollable movements of any part of the body
- restlessness
- speech problems
- changes in handwriting
- rash
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- fever
- muscle stiffness
- falling
- confusion
- sweating
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- neck cramps
- tightness in the throat
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- tongue that sticks out of the mouth
- fine, worm-like tongue movements
- uncontrollable, rhythmic face, mouth, or jaw movements
Caution
Prior to initiating this medication, inform your healthcare provider or pharmacist about any known allergies to it, or if you have other allergies. This product may include inert components capable of triggering allergic reactions or other complications.
Before commencing this medication, communicate your medical history, particularly with regard to blood disorders, specific eye conditions (such as glaucoma), dementia, depression, heart issues, gastrointestinal motility disorders, kidney disease, liver disease, brain disorders/tumors/injuries, substance abuse, breast cancer, Parkinson’s disease, seizure disorders, pronounced reactions to other antipsychotic-type medications (neuroleptic malignant syndrome-NMS), and difficulties in urination due to prostate problems.
This drug may induce dizziness, drowsiness, or alterations in vision. The consumption of alcohol or marijuana might intensify dizziness or drowsiness. Refrain from operating machinery, driving, or engaging in tasks necessitating alertness or clear vision until you are confident of doing so safely.
Pimozide can potentially induce an irregular heart rhythm (QT prolongation), which in rare instances can lead to serious (and rarely fatal) symptoms like rapid or irregular heartbeat and severe dizziness requiring immediate medical attention.
Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood can further heighten the risk of QT prolongation. This risk could increase with specific drugs (such as diuretics/”water pills”) or under conditions like intense sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Seek guidance from your doctor about the safe use of pimozide.
Children might be more vulnerable to the side effects of this drug, particularly uncontrolled movements.
Older adults could also be more susceptible to this drug’s side effects, notably drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, and QT prolongation (as mentioned earlier). Such effects can elevate the risk of falls.
During pregnancy, the use of this medication should only be considered if clearly necessary. Infants born to mothers who took this medication during the last three months of pregnancy might rarely exhibit symptoms such as muscle stiffness or shakiness, drowsiness, feeding/breathing difficulties, or persistent crying. If these symptoms manifest in your newborn, especially during their initial month, promptly inform the doctor.
Since untreated mental/mood disorders like schizophrenia can be serious, discontinuing this medication should only be undertaken as directed by your doctor. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or suspect pregnancy, discuss promptly with your doctor the potential benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy.
The passage of this drug into breast milk is uncertain. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Form and Strength
Orap is available in the following forms and strengths:
-
Orap tablet:
- 4mg
-
pimozide tablet:
- 2mg
- 4mg
FAQ
How long does it take for Orap to work?
It’s probably going to take a few weeks before you notice the effects of pimozide. Most studies looked at the effects of the medication after at least 1 month.
Can Orap cause weight gain?
Weight gain is not a common side effect of pimozide.
