What is Mellaril?
Mellaril (phenothiazine [FEEN-oh-THYE-a-zeen]) antipsychotic medicine is often prescribed to those suffering from schizophrenia. Mellaril can be used after other treatments fail. Mellaril can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Mellaril
When experiencing symptoms of an allergic reaction, please seek medical care immediately: difficulty breathing, hives or facial/throat swelling. Thioridazine, in high doses or for a long time, can cause serious movement disorders that are not always reversible. Mellaril can cause this movement disorder over time, particularly if you're a woman or older.
Mellaril may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
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Uncontrolled movements of your arms, legs, or face, such as chewing, lip-smacking, and frowning
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You may experience rapid or pounding pulses, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness.
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Agitation, confusion ;
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Seizure (convulsions);
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Reduced night vision, tunnel vision, watery eyes, increased sensitivity to light
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Little or no urinating is acceptable.
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Low white blood cells—fever and chills; sore throat; difficulty breathing or feeling light-headed.
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Severe nervous system reaction: very stiff (rigid muscles), high fever, sweating and confusion, rapid or uneven heartbeats. Tremors. Feeling like you may pass out.
Mellaril side effects may include:
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Drowsiness;
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Blurred vision; dry mouth
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Nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea;
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Breast swelling or discharge;
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Changes in your menstrual cycle;
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Swelling in the hands or feet is a common symptom.
There may be other side effects. Need advice regarding potential side effects? Consult a medical practitioner immediately. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Quetiapine, Abilify, Aripiprazole, Olanzapine, Seroquel, and Risperidone
Warnings
Mellaril should not be used if you suffer from a heart rhythm problem, have a history of long QT syndrome, or have uncontrolled or untreated high blood pressure or very low blood pressure. You also shouldn't use Mellaril when you are drowsy, have slow breathing, have a weak pulse, or have decreased alertness. Mellaril has not been approved for older adults who have dementia-related psychosis. Mellaril may cause serious heart problems. This is especially true if you are also taking other medications for asthma, heart disease, high blood pressure, depression, or mental illness.Inform your physician of all medications you are currently taking as well as those that you have started or discontinued using.
Before you take this drug
Mellaril should not be used if:
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Heart problems
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Long QT syndrome (in yourself or in a member of your family);
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untreated or uncontrolled hypertension;
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Low blood pressure
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If you feel drowsy, have slow breathing, a weak pulse, or are less alert (such as if you've had alcohol or taken sedatives),
Mellaril may cause serious heart problems. Your risk is higher if you use other medications. If you use any of the following:
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Antibiotics;
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antidepressants;
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Blood pressure medicine;
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Cancer medicine
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Certain hiv/aids medicines;
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Heart rhythm medicine;
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Medicine to prevent or treat malaria
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Other antipsychotic medications
Please inform your doctor of any of the following issues:
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High blood pressure and heart disease
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You fainted because of slow heartbeats.
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breast cancer
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Liver or kidney disease
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Seizures;
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parkinson's disease;
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urination or prostate problems;
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Hypokalemia is the term used to describe low potassium levels in your blood.
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A serious side effect when using Mellaril or another phenothiazine.
Inform your doctor immediately if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Antipsychotic medication taken in the last three months of pregnancy can cause respiratory problems, feeding difficulties, or withdrawal symptoms for the newborn. Mellaril can cause problems with breastfeeding. You should consult your doctor if you are concerned about any risks.
How to take Mellaril?
Read and follow any instructions that accompany your medication, especially dose changes by your physician. Take it exactly as prescribed; medical tests such as an ECG (Electrocardiograph or Electrocardiograph, more commonly referred to as an EKG) may also be performed to measure heart function and may need an ECG prior to any surgeries that involve Mellaril use; ensure proper storage at room temperature without moisture, heat or light damage.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If it is almost time for your next dose, simply skip it altogether and wait. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Mellaril can cause you to feel dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving and other hazardous activities until you are sure of how they will affect you. Dizziness and drowsiness may cause accidents or serious injuries. You may get dizzy if you stand up quickly from a seated or lying position. Don't drink alcohol. Alcohol can have dangerous side effects.
Interaction with other drug
Asking your doctor about opioid medications, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, anxiety medication, or seizure medicine can have dangerous or life-threatening effects. Mellaril can be affected by many drugs, and certain drugs shouldn't be taken together. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and those that you have started or stopped using. Included are prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not encompass all possible interactions.
