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In this Article

• What is thioridazine (Mellaril)?
• What are the possible side effects of thioridazine (Mellaril)?
• What is the most important information I should know about thioridazine (Mellaril)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking thioridazine (Mellaril)?
• How should I take thioridazine (Mellaril)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Mellaril)?
• What happens if I overdose (Mellaril)?
• What should I avoid while taking thioridazine (Mellaril)?
• What other drugs will affect thioridazine (Mellaril)?
• Where can I get more information?

What happens if I miss a dose (Mellaril)?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Mellaril)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include dry mouth, constipation, bloating or stomach cramps, extreme dizziness, dry skin, blurred vision, decreased urination, uncontrollable muscle movements, confusion, agitation, feeling hot or cold, fast or pounding heartbeat, fainting, slow heart rate, weak or shallow breathing, and seizure (convulsions).

What should I avoid while taking thioridazine (Mellaril)?

Thioridazine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of thioridazine.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Thioridazine can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, and a sunburn may result. Wear sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) and protective clothing if you must be outdoors.

What other drugs will affect thioridazine (Mellaril)?

Cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety can interact with thioridazine and cause medical problems or increase side effects. Tell your doctor if you regularly use any of these medicines, or any other anti-psychotic medications.

• atropine (Atreza, Sal-Tropine);
• lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid);
• an antibiotic;
• birth control pills or hormone replacement estrogens;
• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);
• certain asthma medications or bronchodilators;
• incontinence medications;
• insulin or diabetes medications you take by mouth;
• medication for nausea, vomiting, or motion sickness;
• medications used for general anesthesia;
• medicines used to prevent organ transplant rejection;
• numbing medicine such as lidocaine or Novocain;
• a stimulant or ADHD medication;
• ulcer or irritable bowel medications; or
• medicines to treat Parkinson's disease, restless leg syndrome, or pituitary gland tumor (prolactinoma).

There are many other medicines that can cause serious medical problems if you take them together with thioridazine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about thioridazine.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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