Mellaril

Why should Mellaril not be prescribed?

Due to the danger of cardiac irregularities, Mellaril must never be combined with drugs that increase its effects or prolong the part of the heartbeat known as the QTc interval. (See "Most important fact about this drug.") It is also important to avoid combining Mellaril with excessive amounts of central nervous system depressants such as alcohol, barbiturates, or narcotics. Do not take Mellaril if you have heart disease accompanied by severe high or low blood pressure.

Special warnings about Mellaril

Mellaril may cause tardive dyskinesia--a condition marked by involuntary muscle spasms and twitches in the face and body. This condition may be permanent, and appears to be most common among the elderly, especially women. Ask your doctor for information about this possible risk.

Drugs such as Mellaril are also known to cause a potentially fatal condition known as Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome. Symptoms of this problem include high fever, rigid muscles, altered mental status, sweating, fast or irregular heartbeat, and changes in blood pressure. If you develop these symptoms, see your doctor immediately. Mellaril therapy may have to be permanently discontinued.

Animal studies suggest that antipsychotics such as Mellaril may increase the risk of breast cancer, although human studies have not confirmed such a risk. If you have a history of breast cancer, be sure to see your doctor regularly for checkups.

In rare cases, Mellaril has been known to trigger blood disorders and seizures. It can cause dizziness or faintness when you first stand up. High doses can also cause vision problems, including blurring, brownish coloring of vision, and poor night vision.

This drug may impair your ability to drive a car or operate potentially dangerous machinery. Do not participate in any activities that require full alertness until you are certain the drug will not interfere.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Mellaril

Remember that combining Mellaril with certain drugs can increase the danger of potentially fatal heartbeat irregularities. Among the drugs to avoid are the following:

Amiodarone (Cordarone)
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Delavirdine (Rescriptor)
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
FluvoxamineParoxetine (Paxil)
Pindolol
Propafenone (Rythmol)
Propranolol (Inderal)
Quinidine (Quinaglute, Quinidex)
Ritonavir (Norvir)

Check with your doctor before adding any new drug to your regimen. Remember, too, that extreme drowsiness and other potentially serious effects can result if Mellaril is combined with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants such as narcotics, painkillers, and sleeping medications.