Mellaril

Pronounced: MEL-ah-rill
Generic name: Thioridazine hydrochloride

Why is Mellaril prescribed?

Mellaril combats the crippling mental disorder known as schizophrenia (a severe loss of contact with reality). Because Mellaril has been known to cause dangerous heartbeat irregularities, it is usually prescribed only when at least two other medications have failed.

Most important fact about Mellaril

The danger of potentially fatal cardiac irregularities increases when Mellaril is combined with any medication that prolongs a part of the heartbeat known as the QTc interval. Many of the drugs prescribed for heartbeat irregularities (including Cordarone, Inderal, Quinaglute, Quinidex, and Rythmol) prolong the QTc interval and should never be combined with Mellaril. Other drugs to avoid when taking Mellaril include fluvoxamine, Norvir, Paxil, Pindolol, Prozac, Rescriptor, and Tagamet. Make sure the doctor knows you are taking Mellaril whenever a new drug is prescribed.

How should you take Mellaril?

If you are taking Mellaril in a liquid concentrate form, you can dilute it with a liquid such as distilled water, soft tap water, or juice just before taking it.

Do not change from one brand of thioridazine to another without consulting your doctor.

--If you miss a dose...

If you take 1 dose a day and remember later in the day, take the dose immediately. If you don't remember until the next day, skip the dose and go back to your regular schedule.

If you take more than 1 dose a day and remember the forgotten dose within an hour or so after its scheduled time, take it immediately. If you don't remember until later, skip the dose and go back to your regular schedule.

Never try to "catch up" by doubling a dose.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature, tightly closed, in the container the medication came in.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Mellaril.

• More common side effects may include:
  Blurred vision, breast development in men, breast milk secretion, constipation, diarrhea, drowsiness, dry mouth, impotence, nausea, swelling in the arms and legs (edema), tardive dyskinesia (see "Special warnings about this medication), vomiting