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Common uses
This medicine is an antipsychotic agent used to treat emotional and mood disorders. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Before using
Warning: this medicine should not be used to treat elderly patients who have a certain mental condition (dementia-related psychosis). These patients have an increased risk of death, usually due to heart problems (such as heart failure) or infection (such as pneumonia), while taking this medicine. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking clozapine, other medicines for mental or mood conditions, certain antidepressants known as SSRIs, or medicine to lower blood pressure.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including heart disease (heart failure, history of heart attacks or ischemia, conduction problems), diabetes, strokes (cerebrovascular disease), dehydration (too little body water), seizures, dementia, infections (such as pneumonia), swallowing problems, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.
Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Store this medicine at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. Taking this medicine at the same time(s) each day will help you remember.
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Cautions
Do not take this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. If your symptoms do not improve in a few weeks or if they become worse, check with your doctor. It may take several days to weeks for this medicine to work. Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor. Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are taking this medicine. Laboratory and/or medical tests, such as fasting blood sugar levels, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects.
This medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medicine without first discussing it with your doctor. This medicine may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. Alcohol, hot weather, exercise, and fever can increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Also sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness. Do not become overheated in hot weather or during exercise or other activities since risk of heatstroke may be increased.
This medicine may increase your risk of developing diabetes or cause hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), sometimes severe. Symptoms of hyperglycemia include thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, weakness, or fruity breath odor. High blood sugar levels can cause serious problems if left untreated. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor immediately. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
Caution is advised when using this medicine in the elderly, especially those with dementia related problems, because they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine.
For women: if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. This medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine. Diabetics: this medicine may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely and ask your doctor before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine.
Possible side effects
Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, nausea, constipation, runny nose, weight gain, nervousness, difficulty concentrating, or difficulty sleeping. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience fainting or confusion. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms of high blood sugar (such as increased thirst, increased urination, vision changes, confusion, weakness, or unusual drowsiness), muscle spasm or twitching, uncontrolled muscle movements (such as your tongue or facial muscles), drooling, difficulty swallowing, seizures, chest pain, one-sided weakness, numbness in the face/arms/legs, sudden vision changes, slurred speech, unexplained fever, extreme muscle stiffness, fast or irregular heartbeat, unusual increased sweating, or unusual changes in your mental alertness.
This medicine may in rare instances increase your blood level of a certain hormone (prolactin). In females, this rare increase in prolactin levels may result in unwanted breast milk production, stopping of your menstrual period, or difficulty in becoming pregnant. In males, this rare effect may result in decreased sexual ability, inability to produce sperm, or enlarged breasts. If you develop any of these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately.
For men: in the unlikely event you have a painful, prolonged erection, stop using this medicine and seek immediate medical attention or permanent problems could occur.
An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include unusual drowsiness; rapid pulse; fainting; unusual muscle movement or rigidity of the face, neck, or limbs; seizures; and loss of consciousness.
Additional information
Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.
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