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Neuroleptic / Antipsychotic TherapySome of the benefits may occur in the first few days, but it is not unusual for it to take several weeks or months to see the full benefits. In contrast, many of the side effects are worse when you first start taking it. Proper Use of This Medication: * This medication is not habit-forming, and does not cause a high feeling. * Take this medication exactly as directed. Do not take more of it and do not take it more often than prescribed. Do not miss any doses. * If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. * Avoid the use of alcohol while on this medication. * Do not take this medication with Antacids, as they may interfere with absorption. * If there is a possibility you may become pregnant or breast-feed while on this medication, first consult with your psychiatrist. * This medication should not be discontinued without first consulting with your psychiatrist. * Store this medicine in a cool, safe place away from the reach of children. This medication is usually tolerated well. However possible side effects include: * Drowsiness: This may disappear in several weeks. Know how you react to this medicine before driving or operating dangerous machinery. * Dizziness: This may occur if you get up too quickly or rapidly change positions. Rise or change positions more slowly. * Dry mouth: This is usually temporary. Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless candy. Brush your teeth regularly with a Fluoride-containing toothpaste. * Blurred vision: This will usually go away with continued use of the medication. * Weight gain: Some patients gain weight while on this medication. Regular exercise (4-5 times a week, for 30 minutes each time) may help keep the weight off. * Severe sunburn: Some people become more sensitive to sunburn while on these medications. Avoid prolonged direct sun exposure and use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. * Sexual dysfunction: Low sexual desire, difficulty maintaining an erection (for men), difficulty achieving orgasm. Contact your physician if you develop any of the following side effects: * Difficulty passing urine, restlessness, tremor, stiffness, muscle spasms, breast discharge or enlargement, loss of menstrual periods, difficulty with sexual function. Stop taking this medicine and contact your physician immediately if you develop this group of symptoms: * Convulsions (seizures), fast or irregular heartbeat, high fever, very high or very low blood pressure, increased sweating, loss of bladder control, severe muscle stiffness, trouble breathing, unusually pale skin, severe tiredness or weakness. Fortunately this side effect is rare. * Tardive Dyskinesia (unwanted movements of the tongue, lips, arms, and legs) can occur after this medication has been used continuously for more than 6 months. Contact your physician immediately if you notice: o Continuous movements of the mouth, jaw, and/or tongue o Continuous movements of the hands, arms, legs, or body o Other people tell you that they have noticed unusual or continuous movements of the mouth, jaw, tongue, hands, arms, legs, or body. Taking 1600 IU of Vitamin E daily with Vitamin C (500 mg twice daily) may help prevent long-term muscle movement complications. Do not take gingko biloba when taking vitamin E, as bleeding problems may develop. The following medications should not be taken without first consulting your physician: * Cyclic antidepressants, Fluoxetine(Prozac), Beta-blockers(certain blood pressure medicines), Cimetidine(Tagamet). * Barbiturates, Carbamazepine(Tegretol). Recurrence of symptoms with maintenance use: * Recurrence of psychosis can occur, even with continued medication usage, in less than half of patients. Signs of potential relapse include: * Generally not feeling well, depression, or nervousness, * Loss of appetite, * Sleeping difficulty, * Difficulty concentrating and thinking, * Social withdrawal. Contact the psychiatry department as soon as possible if these symptoms develop. |
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