Orap

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Prescription Drug Information, Side Effects & Interactions for Orap

Uses
This medication works in the nervous system to help control involuntary or unconscious movements (tics) both physical and verbal. It is used to reduce tics in persons with Tourette's Disorder.

Notes

Laboratory tests may be done periodically while taking this medication to monitor the effects.
See your doctor regularly.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light.
Do not store in the bathroom.

Orap Pimozide (brand name Orap) works by

How To Use

Take this medication exactly as prescribed.
Do not take this more often or increase your dose without consulting your doctor.
Your condition will not improve any faster and the risk of serious side effects will be increased.
Your dose may be slowly and gradually increased or decreased at times to see if the tics continue.
Follow any changes in dosing carefully.
Do not stop taking this drug suddenly if you have been taking this for some time.
Your dose should be gradually reduced over time.

Side Effects

Dry mouth, drowsiness, headache, stomach upset, change in appetite or sleeplessness may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication.
Blurred vision, change in sex drive, nervousness, muscle cramps, behavior changes or menstrual changes may also occur.
If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.
Notify your doctor immediately of any dizziness, fainting, rapid or irregular heartbeat, mental confusion, difficulty speaking, sweating, tremors, drooling, stiff muscles, difficulty walking, unusual eye movements, chest pain, increased body heat, abnormal movements of the tongue, face or jaw (puffing cheeks, chewing, puckering mouth) or seizures while taking this medication.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor if you have any pre-existing liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease, heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias), glaucoma, prostate problems or if you have any allergies.
This medication may cause bluured vision.
Use caution operating machinery or engaging in activities requiring alertness.
Avoid alcohol intake while taking this medication.
This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known if this medication appears in breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Missed Dose

Try to take each dose at the scheduled time.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not "double-up" the dose up.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of any prescription or nonprescription medication you may use, especially narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine); sedatives, macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, clarithromycin); anti-seizure drugs (e.g., phenytoin or phenobarbital); azole antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole); drugs affecting the heart (including QT prolongation) such as quinidine, procainamide, disopyramide, amiodarone, bepridil; psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines, antidepressants such as tricyclics and nefazodone, and benzodiazepines); astemizole, cisapride, terfenadine, mibefradil, zileuton and HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., saquinavir, ritonavir, indinavir and nelfinavir).
Avoid grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your doctor specifically instructs you otherwise.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.