Things you need to know about Iloperidone Tablets

Your doctor may have prescribed you a medication called Iloperidone (brand name Fanapt). When you start taking this medication, you may have a lot of questions. It's normal to think things like, "What will this do?", "What are the side effects?", "What should I be concerned about?" So today, let's talk about this medication in a simple way that you can understand.

What is Iloperidone?

Simply put, Iloperidone is a medication used to treat mental health conditions like schizophrenia . These are called 'Antipsychotics'. There are chemicals in our brain that help control our emotions, behavior, and thoughts. The main ones are Dopamine and Serotonin. In some mental conditions, the balance of these chemicals can be disrupted. So this medication works by restoring that imbalance. This can help control your symptoms.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication

Before prescribing this medication to you, your doctor should be aware of your complete health history. This medication may interact with certain medical conditions. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor .

• Heart disease or irregular heartbeat: If you have heart disease, a previous heart attack, or a problem with your heartbeat.
• High cholesterol or diabetes: This medication can sometimes increase blood sugar levels, so people with diabetes should be especially careful.
• Liver disease: If you have any disease that affects liver function.
• Low blood pressure: If you have low blood pressure frequently.
• Seizures: If you have had seizures before.
• Dementia: A condition that causes memory and brain function to decline in older people.
• Parkinson's disease.
• Stroke: If you have had a previous stroke.
• If you have a history of breast cancer .
• Low blood counts: If you have previously reported low white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets.
• If you have difficulty swallowing .
• Suicidal thoughts: This is very important if you or someone in your family has had suicidal thoughts or attempts in the past.
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
• If you are a mother who is breastfeeding.
• Other allergies:If you are allergic to this medicine or any other medicines, foods, or dyes.

How should I use this medicine?

• Swallow this pill with a glass of water. Take it at the prescribed time, exactly as your doctor tells you.
• You can take it with or without food. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food.
• Never stop taking your medication without your doctor's advice. Doing so can cause serious side effects. If you do stop taking your medication, there is a way to do it, and your doctor will tell you how.
• If you miss a dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.

What if I take too much medicine?

If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.

Other things that may interact with this medicine

It is very important to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and herbal remedies you are taking, as some medications can interact with Iloperidone.

Things to be careful about when taking medicine

• Dizziness and drowsiness: This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. So , do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Especially if you are elderly, stand up slowly when you get up from a sitting position or out of bed. Otherwise, you may feel dizzy and fall.
• Blood sugar levels: If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar levels regularly while taking this medicine. Tell your doctor if you have symptoms of high blood sugar (frequent thirst, frequent urination, excessive fatigue).
• Dry mouth: You may feel like your mouth is dry. Chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on a lollipop, and drinking plenty of water can help.
• Body temperature control: This medicine may have a small effect on body temperature control. This means that the body's tolerance to extreme cold and extreme heat may be reduced. Therefore, it is important to dress warmly during cold weather. Also,Don't stay in hot places or in the sun. Don't exercise too much. Drink plenty of water.

Side effects that may occur due to medication

Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. However, not everyone gets them. Watch out for the symptoms below.

How should I store the medicine?

• Keep it out of the reach of children .
• Store at room temperature (between 15-30 degrees Celsius).
• Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture .
• Throw away expired medicine.