What is the most important information I should know about thioridazine?
Do not take thioridazine if you have any of the following conditions or a history of these
conditions: heart disease; an
irregular heartbeat or a history of irregular heartbeats; a history of
prolonged QT intervals; a family history of congenital
long QT syndrome; or other heartbeat
disturbances. These conditions may increase the risk of irregular heartbeats,
heart attack, and death
while taking thioridazine.
Do not take thioridazine with any of the following drugs: psychiatric medications such as
fluoxetine (
Prozac),
paroxetine (Paxil,
Paxil CR), and
fluvoxamine (
Luvox); or blood pressure
medications such as
pindolol (
Visken) or
propranolol (Inderal,
Inderal LA, others). Taken with any of
these drugs, thioridazine may cause irregular heartbeats that could lead to death. This is not a
complete
list of drugs that may interact with thioridazine and cause
heart problems. Talk to your doctor or
pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medications.
Thioridazine may interact with other drugs that cause
drowsiness, including alcohol,
antidepressants,
antihistamines, pain relievers,
anxiety medicines,
seizure medicines, and muscle
relaxants. Dangerous
sedation,
dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if thioridazine is taken with alcohol
or any of these medications. Talk to your doctor before taking thioridazine in combination with alcohol
or any other medicines.
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
Thioridazine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these
activities.
Dizziness may be more likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly
to prevent dizziness and a possible fall.
Call your doctor immediately if you have uncontrollable movements of the mouth, tongue,
cheeks, jaw, arms, or legs; fever; muscle rigidity; sweating; irregular pulse; or fast or irregular
heartbeats.
What is thioridazine?
Thioridazine is in a class of drugs called phenothiazines. It works by changing the actions of
chemicals in the brain.
Thioridazine is used to treat psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia. Thioridazine is generally
reserved for people who do not respond to other drugs or who cannot take other drugs due to side
effects.
Thioridazine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking thioridazine?
Do not take thioridazine if you have any of the following conditions or a history of these
conditions: heart disease; an irregular heartbeat or a history of irregular heartbeats; a history of
prolonged QT intervals; a family history of congenital long QT syndrome; or other heartbeat
disturbances. These conditions may increase the risk of irregular heartbeats, heart attack, and death
while taking thioridazine.
Do not take thioridazine with any of the following drugs: psychiatric medications such as
fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil, Paxil CR), and fluvoxamine (Luvox); or blood pressure
medications such as pindolol (Visken) or propranolol (Inderal, Inderal LA, others). Taken with any of
these drugs, thioridazine may cause irregular heartbeats that could lead to death. This is not a complete
list of drugs that may interact with thioridazine and cause heart problems. Talk to your doctor or
pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medications.
Before taking thioridazine, tell your doctor if you have
You may not be able to take thioridazine, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
It is not known whether thioridazine will harm an unborn baby. Do not take thioridazine
without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether thioridazine passes into breast milk. Do not take thioridazine
without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from
thioridazine. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of this medication or you may require special
monitoring during treatment.
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