Mellaril

Generic Name: thioridazine
Brand Names: Mellaril, Mellaril-S  

What is thioridazine?

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.

What is the most important information I should know about thioridazine?

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.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking thioridazine?

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;

• liver or kidney disease;

• 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.