Generic Name: thioridazine (oral) (THYE oh RID a zeen)Brand Names: Mellaril, Mellaril-S
Thioridazine is an anti-psychotic medication in a group of drugs called phenothiazines (FEEN-oh-THYE-a-zeens). It works by changing the actions of chemicals in your brain.
Thioridazine is used to treat psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia.
Thioridazine is usually given after other medications have been tried without successful treatment of schizophrenia.
Thioridazine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Do not take thioridazine together with large amounts of alcohol or medicines that make you sleepy, or with medications that can affect heart rhythm. There are many medicines that should not be taken together with thioridazine because they may cause serious medical problems. Before taking thioridazine, tell your doctor about all other medications you use.
Before you take thioridazine, tell your doctor if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, a heart rhythm disorder, low levels of calcium or potassium in your blood, past or present breast cancer, liver or kidney disease, severe asthma or breathing problems, a history of seizures, Parkinson's disease, adrenal gland tumor, enlarged prostate or urination problems, glaucoma, or if you have ever had a serious side effect while using thioridazine or a similar medication.
There are many medicines that should not be taken together with thioridazine because they may cause serious medical problems. Tell your doctor about all other medications you take, including:
antibiotics;
antidepressants;
blood pressure medications;
medications to treat or prevent malaria;
cancer medications;
certain HIV/AIDS medications;
migraine headache medicine;
heart rhythm medications;
medicine to prevent or treat nausea and vomiting;
certain narcotic pain medicines; and
other anti-psychotic medicines.
If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take thioridazine. Before you take this medication, tell your doctor if you have:
heart disease, high blood pressure, or a heart rhythm disorder;
low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia);
past or present breast cancer;
severe asthma, emphysema, or other breathing problem;
a history of seizures;
Parkinson's disease;
adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma);
enlarged prostate or urination problems;
low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia);
glaucoma; or
if you have ever had a serious side effect while using thioridazine or another phenothiazine.
Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.
Your heart may need to be checked using an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG) before you start taking thioridazine, or whenever your dose is changed. An ECG measures electrical activity of the heart. This will help your doctor determine whether the medication is causing any harmful effects. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor while you are taking thioridazine.
Store thioridazine at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.See also: Thioridazine dosage in more detail
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeat;
twitching or uncontrollable movements of your eyes, lips, tongue, face, arms, or legs;
tremor (uncontrolled shaking), drooling, trouble swallowing, problems with balance or walking;
feeling restless, jittery, or agitated;
high fever, stiff muscles, confusion, sweating, fast or uneven heartbeats, rapid breathing;
feeling like you might pass out;
seizure (convulsions);
decreased night vision, tunnel vision, watery eyes, increased sensitivity to light;
pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, fever, sore throat, flu symptoms;
urinating less than usual or not at all;
nausea and stomach pain, skin rash, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
joint pain or swelling with fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, chest pain, vomiting, unusual thoughts or behavior, and patchy skin color; or
slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, slow breathing (breathing may stop).
Less serious side effects may include:
dizziness, drowsiness, anxiety;
dry mouth, stuffy nose, constipation;
blurred vision, headache;
breast swelling or discharge;
changes in your menstrual periods;
weight gain, swelling in your hands or feet;
impotence, trouble having an orgasm;
increased or decreased interest in sex;
sleep problems (insomnia), strange dreams; or
mild itching or skin rash.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Usual Adult Dose for Schizophrenia:
Initial dose: 50 to 100 mg orally 3 times a day.Maintenance dose: May gradually increase to 200 to 800 mg/day in 2 to 4 divided doses.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Schizophrenia:
<2 years: Do not use.2 to 12 years: Initial dose: 0.5 mg/kg/day in 2 to 3 divided doses.Maintenance dose: May gradually increase up to a maximum of 3 mg/kg/day in divided doses.13 to 18 years: Initial dose: 50 to 100 mg orally 3 times a day.Maintenance dose: May gradually increase to 200 to 800 mg/day in 2 to 4 divided doses.
atropine (Atreza, Sal-Tropine);
lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid);
an antibiotic;
birth control pills or hormone replacement estrogens;
a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);
certain asthma medications or bronchodilators;
incontinence medications;
insulin or diabetes medications you take by mouth;
medication for nausea, vomiting, or motion sickness;
medications used for general anesthesia;
medicines used to prevent organ transplant rejection;
numbing medicine such as lidocaine or Novocain;
a stimulant or ADHD medication;
ulcer or irritable bowel medications; or
medicines to treat Parkinson's disease, restless leg syndrome, or pituitary gland tumor (prolactinoma).