Did your doctor prescribe you a liquid medicine called Thioridazine to help you recover? Let's talk about it!

Your doctor may have prescribed a liquid medicine called Thioridazine to treat some of your mental health problems, especially schizophrenia . You may be familiar with this medicine under the brand names Mellaril or Mellaril Concentrate. But this is a special medicine. It is usually only given if other medicines have not helped. The main reason for this is that it can cause some side effects, or heart problems. So, let's talk a little more about this medicine, as if we were talking to a friend. Then you can get a better understanding of it.

What should you tell your doctor before using this medicine?

This is a very important thing to remember. Before you start taking Thioridazine, you should definitely tell your doctor if you have any of these conditions. Take a look at this list:

• Is there something stuck in your intestines?
• Is there a brain tumor?
• Do you have dementia, a disease that causes memory loss?
• Do you have diabetes?
• Is something hard to swallow?
• Do you have glaucoma in your eyes?
• Do you have difficulty controlling your muscles?
• Have you had any head injuries recently?
• Do you have heart disease?
• Have you had an irregular heartbeat before?
• Are you a regular drinker?
• Do you have any liver disease?
• Do you have a condition where the white blood cells, platelets, and red blood cells in your blood are low (low blood counts)?
• Do you have low blood pressure?
• Do you have a lung or breathing problem, for example, asthma?
• Do you have Parkinson's disease?
• Is there any problem with the prostate gland?
• Have you had seizures before?
• Is there any difficulty urinating or any change in the way urine flows?
• Have you ever had an allergic reaction to thioridazine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives?
• Are you pregnant? Or are you hoping to get pregnant?
• Are you currently breastfeeding?

If any of these things apply to you, it is very important for your own safety to tell your doctor.

How exactly do I use this medicine?

Okay, now let's see how exactly to use this medicine.

This comes in a liquid form. So you have to take it by mouth. Just as the doctor says, you have to follow the instructions on the prescription label exactly.

• The bottle should be shaken well before taking the medicine.
• There is a special dropper that comes with the medicine. Use that. The teaspoons and tablespoons you have at home don't give the exact measurement. If you don't have one, ask the pharmacy for one.
• This liquid medicine is not to be taken directly. It should be mixed with half a glass of water (about 4 fluid ounces), orange juice, or grapefruit juice.
• But remember this: Do not mix this medicine with caffeine-containing drinks like coffee, cola, tea, or apple juice.
• Take it as prescribed by the doctor, in the prescribed dosage, at the prescribed intervals. Don't drink more than you feel like drinking.
• Another important thing: Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without the advice of your doctor or healthcare professional.

Should I give this to small children?

You should talk to your pediatrician about giving this medicine to young children. Although this medicine can be prescribed to children in some special cases, special care must be taken. So talk to them carefully and find out.

What to do if you take too much medicine? (Overdosage)

If that happens, that is, if you think you have taken too much of this medicine, call the nearest poison control center or emergency room immediately . Don't delay.

Important: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share your medicine with others, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

What if I miss a medication appointment?

If you forget to take 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 your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time or take an extra dose.

What other medications may interact with this medicine? (Drug Interactions)

This is also very important. Some medications can cause problems when taken with Thioridazine. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, not just the ones prescribed by your doctor, but also over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, vitamins, and herbal products. Also, tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs.

Do not take Thioridazine with these medications:

• `berotralstat`
• Some medications used to treat irregular heart rhythms (e.g., amiodarone, dofetilide, dronedarone, encainide, flecainide, propafenone, quinidine)
• `cisapride`
• Some medications for depression (e.g. fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, viloxazine)
• `gefitinib`
• `metoclopramide`
• Other medications that prolong the heart's `QT interval` (e.g., `dacomitinib`, `degarelix`, `encorafenib`, `eribulin`)
• `pimozide`
• `pindolol`
• `propranolol`
• `saquinavir`

Also, the following medications can interact with Thioridazine, so you should be especially careful if you are taking them:

• Alcohol
• Types of antihistamines for allergies, coughs, and colds
• `atropine`
• Some medications for anxiety and sleep
• Some medications for bladder problems (e.g. oxybutynin, tolterodine)
• Some other medications for depression
• Some medicines for stomach upset (e.g. dicyclomine, hyoscyamine)
• Some medications for travel sickness (e.g., scopolamine)
• `epinephrine`
• General anesthetics (e.g., halothane, isoflurane, propofol)
• `ipratropium`
• Levodopa and other medications for Parkinson's disease
• `lithium`
• Blood pressure medication
• Anticonvulsant medications (e.g., phenobarbital, primidone, phenytoin)
• Medicines given to relax muscles during surgery
• Narcotic medicines for pain

This list does not include all interactions, so it is best to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking.

What should you be careful about when taking this medicine?

While taking this medicine, you should talk to your doctor about your health regularly. Go for regular check-ups to check your progress. If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, let him know. Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so may cause a serious reaction. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine you should take.

• Drowsiness and dizziness: You may feel sleepy, dizzy, or have blurred vision. So, avoid driving, operating machinery, or doing other tasks that require concentration until you know how this medicine affects you. Be careful when you stand or sit up suddenly, especially if you are elderly. This can make you more likely to get dizzy and fall. Drinking alcohol can make this drowsiness and dizziness worse. So, avoid alcohol.
• Body temperature control:This medicine may affect your body's ability to regulate temperature. Your body's response to cold weather may be reduced. Stay indoors on cold days if possible. If you must go out, wear warm clothing. Your body's response to heat may also be reduced. So avoid overexertion and excessive exercise. Stay out of the sun as much as possible. If you must go out in the sun, wear light-colored, breathable clothing, and drink plenty of water. If you feel that you are having trouble controlling your body temperature, talk to your doctor immediately.
• Blood sugar levels: This medicine may increase blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, ask your doctor if you need to make any changes to your diet or medications.
• Sun sensitivity: This medicine may make your skin sensitive to the sun. So be careful in the sun. If you cannot avoid sun exposure, wear clothing that covers your body and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.
• Dry mouth: Your mouth may feel dry. Chewing sugarless gum, sucking on a piece of ginger, and drinking plenty of water can help relieve this. However, if this problem persists or becomes severe, talk to your doctor .
• Surgery: If you are going to have any surgery, you should tell your doctor or healthcare professional that you are taking this medicine.

What are the possible side effects of this medicine?

Like all medications, this one can cause side effects in some people. Some of them should be reported to the doctor immediately, while others should be monitored for a while and reported if they persist.

Side effects that you should tell your doctor about immediately:

If you experience any of these symptoms, tell your doctor or health care provider immediately :

• Allergic reactions: These include skin rashes, itching, swelling of the lips, face, and tongue.
• Abnormal milk production (for both men and women).
• Enlargement of male breasts.
• Changes in vision.
• Chest pain.
• Confusion.
• Heart palpitations, irregular heartbeat.
• Fever, chills, and sore throat.
• Seizures.
• Symptoms of high blood sugar: This means feeling more thirsty and hungry than usual, needing to urinate more often, and feeling extremely tired and having blurred vision.
• Symptoms of liver damage: Dark yellow or brown urine; feeling unwell or feverish; pale stools; loss of appetite; nausea; pain in the upper right side of the stomach; unusual tiredness; yellowing of the eyes or skin.
• Symptoms of low blood pressure: dizziness; feeling dizzy, lightheaded; feeling like you're going to fall; feeling unusually tired.
• Difficulty urinating or a change in the amount of urine that comes out.
• Having difficulty swallowing something.
• Uncontrollable movements of the hands, face, head, mouth, neck, and upper body.
• Unusual bruising or bleeding.
• Feeling unusually tired.

Side effects that you should tell your doctor about if they persist:

These are side effects that usually do not require medical attention. However, if they persist or bother you, tell your doctor :

• Constipation
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth

This list may not include all side effects. If you notice anything unusual, ask your doctor about it. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

How should I store my medicine? How do I dispose of old, leftover medicine?

This medicine should be kept out of the reach of small children and pets.

Store at room temperature, below 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit). Do not freeze. Protect from light. Reconstitute just before use. Do not store reconstituted solution. Do not use medicine past its expiration date, discard.

How to dispose of unused, expired medicine:

• Give the medicine to a medicine take-back program. Ask your pharmacy or law enforcement about such a place.
• If you don't have a way to return it, check the label on the medicine bottle or the inside of the bottle to see if it should be thrown in the trash or flushed down the toilet. If you're not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist. If it's safe to throw away, take the medicine out of the bottle, mix it with something like cat litter, soil, or coffee grounds, put the mixture in a bag or container, seal it tightly, and throw it in the trash.

These things are important to you (Take-Home Message)

Well then, I hope that from what we have discussed, you have gained a good understanding of the drug Thioridazine. Finally, there are a few things to remember:

• Use the medicine exactly as the doctor tells you. Follow the dosage and timing exactly.
• Tell your doctor about all other medications you take and all of your medical conditions .
• Be aware of the possible side effects and interactions with other medications while taking this medication. If you have any concerns, tell your doctor immediately.
• This medicine is for you only. Do not give it to others.
• Do not stop taking the medication or change the dosage without your doctor's advice.

If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to ask your doctor, pharmacist, or health worker. They will help you. I wish you good health!

` thioridazine, schizophrenia, mental health, medication, side effects, drug interactions, oral concentrate