Compare to: Seroquel
This medication is used for the treatment of certain mental conditions (e.g., schizophrenia).
This drug is taken by mouth, generally twice or three times daily. Dosage is based on age, mental condition and other diseases, and is slowly increased as tolerated. It may take several weeks to notice the full benefit of this drug. Continue to take it everyday as directed, even if you are feeling better and thinking more clearly.
Constipation, drowsiness, dizziness, stomach pain or upset, weight gain or dry mouth may occur. If these persist or worsen, notify your doctor. To relieve dry mouth and protect teeth and gums, you may suck on sugarless candy or use a saliva substitute or ice chips. Report promptly: fainting, unusually fast or irregular heartbeat. Unlikely but report promptly: skin rash, itching, trouble breathing. Very unlikely but report promptly: fever, persistent sore throat, muscle stiffness, confusion, sweating, uncontrolled muscle movements (e.g., tongue or facial muscles), one-sided muscle weakness, vision changes, cold sensitivity, trouble urinating, black stools, unusual moods. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: allergies (especially drug allergies), liver problems, heart problems, blood vessel disease, very low blood pressure, seizure disorders. To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. This is more likely to occur in the first few days after starting or restarting the drug, or after dosage increases. Limit alcohol intake as it may aggravate side effects. Caution is advised when performing activities requiring mental alertness (e.g., driving). This drug might hinder body temperature control. It is advised not to exercise strenuously, and to avoid extreme heat while using this medication. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug is excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Caution when this drug is used in the elderly.
Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially of: dopamine-like drugs (e.g., dopamine, bromocriptine, cabergoline), levodopa, anti-seizure drugs (e.g., phenytoin, phenobarbital), rifampin, rifabutin, drugs for high blood pressure, other antipsychotic drugs (e.g., thioridazine), azole antifungals (e.g., fluconazole, itraconazole), erythromycin, thyroid medicine (e.g., thyroxine). Also report use of drugs that cause drowsiness, such as: drugs used for sleep, sedatives, antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline), muscle relaxants, certain antihistamines or anticholinergics (e.g., diphenhydramine, atropine), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine). Antihistamines may be found in many cold-and-cough medications. Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include drowsiness, rapid pulse, weakness, fatigue, and dizziness.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double-up the dose to catch up.
Store at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
Do not share this medication with others. Certain medical tests will be performed during treatment, such as eye exams.
The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
