Thioridazine

Brand name: Melozine
Pronounced: MEL-ah-rill
Generic name: Thioridazine hydrochloride MELOZINE (Thioridazine, Mellaril, Mellaril-S)
Why is Melozine prescribed?

Melozine combats the crippling mental disorder known as schizophrenia (a severe loss of contact with reality). Because Melozine 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 Melozine

The danger of potentially fatal cardiac irregularities increases when Melozine 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 Melozine. Other drugs to avoid when taking Melozine include fluvoxamine, Norvir, Paxil, Pindolol, Prozac, Rescriptor, and Tagamet. Make sure the doctor knows you are taking Melozine whenever a new drug is prescribed.
How should you take Melozine?

If you are taking Melozine 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 MELOZINE (Thioridazine, Mellaril, Mellaril-S)

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 Melozine

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

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 Melozine.

* 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 Melozine), vomiting

Why should Melozine not be prescribed?

Due to the danger of cardiac irregularities, Melozine 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 Melozine.") It is also important to avoid combining Melozine with excessive amounts of central nervous system depressants such as alcohol, barbiturates, or narcotics. Do not take Melozine if you have heart disease accompanied by severe high or low blood pressure.
Special warnings about Melozine

Melozine 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 Melozine 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. Melozine therapy may have to be permanently discontinued.

Animal studies suggest that antipsychotics such as Melozine 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, Melozine 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 Melozine

Remember that combining Melozine 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 Melozine is combined with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants such as narcotics, painkillers, and sleeping medications.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Pregnant women should use Melozine only if clearly needed. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.

There is no information on the effects of Melozine during breastfeeding. The doctor may advise you to stop nursing until your treatment with Melozine is finished.
Recommended dosage for Melozine

Your doctor will tailor your dose to your needs, using the smallest effective amount.

ADULTS
Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. An overdose of Melozine can be fatal. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical help immediately.

* Symptoms of Melozine overdose may include:
Agitation, blurred vision, coma, confusion, constipation, difficulty breathing, dilated or constricted pupils, diminished flow of urine, dry mouth, dry skin, excessively high or low body temperature, extremely low blood pressure, fluid in the lungs, heart abnormalities, inability to urinate, intestinal blockage, nasal congestion, restlessness, sedation, seizures, shock