Orap Oral
In Depth
- Uses and How to Use
- Dosage and Storage
- Precautions and Side Effects
- Drug Interactions
- Drug Images
Pronounced: (PIM-oh-zide)
Orap Oral Uses
This medication is used to reduce uncontrolled movements (motor tics) or outbursts of words/sounds (vocal tics) caused by Tourette syndrome. Pimozide is a medication that works by decreasing the activity of a natural substance (dopamine) in the brain.
Pimozide should not be used for mild symptoms. It should only be used if symptoms cause severe problems in everyday life and other medicines or treatments have not been effective.
How To Use Orap Oral
Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once a day at bedtime or as directed by your doctor.
Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your doctor may direct you to take a low dose at first, gradually increasing the dose to lower the chance of side effects such as shaking (tremors). Do not take this drug more often or increase the dose. Your symptoms will not improve any faster, and the risk for heart rhythm problems will be increased. Follow your doctor's directions carefully. The usual maximum recommended dose for adults and children is 10 milligrams a day.
Your doctor may order an electrocardiogram (EKG) and laboratory tests before you start this medication. These tests are to find out whether you are at risk for heart rhythm problems from pimozide. Keep all medical/lab appointments.
Other drugs, such as stimulant medications (e.g., methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine), may occasionally worsen tics. Before deciding to start pimozide, your doctor may try to reduce your tics by lowering the stimulant dose. Consult your doctor for more details.
Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while being treated with this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Grapefruit can increase the amount of certain medications in your bloodstream. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Your condition may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.
Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
