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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 should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking thioridazine (Mellaril)?

Thioridazine is not for use in psychotic conditions related to dementia. Thioridazine may cause heart failure, sudden death, or pneumonia in older adults with dementia-related conditions.

Do not use thioridazine if you are allergic to thioridazine, or if you have brain damage, bone marrow depression, severe heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, a history of "Long QT syndrome," or if you are also using large amounts of alcohol or medicines that make you sleepy.

There are many medicines that should not be taken together with thioridazine because they may cause serious medical problems. Tell your doctor about all other medications you take, including:

• antibiotics;
• antidepressants;
• blood pressure medications;
• medications to treat or prevent malaria;
• cancer medications;
• certain HIV/AIDS medications;
• migraine headache medicine;
• heart rhythm medications;
• medicine to prevent or treat nausea and vomiting;
• certain narcotic pain medicines; and
• other anti-psychotic medicines.

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take thioridazine. Before you take this medication, tell your doctor if you have:

• heart disease, high blood pressure, or a heart rhythm disorder;
• low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia);
• past or present breast cancer;
• liver or kidney disease;
• severe asthma, emphysema, or other breathing problem;
• a history of seizures;
• Parkinson's disease;
• adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma);
• enlarged prostate or urination problems;
• low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia);
• glaucoma; or
• if you have ever had a serious side effect while using thioridazine or another phenothiazine.

It is not known whether thioridazine is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Thioridazine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take thioridazine (Mellaril)?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Your heart may need to be checked using an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG) before you start taking thioridazine, or whenever your dose is changed. An ECG measures electrical activity of the heart. This will help your doctor determine whether the medication is causing any harmful effects. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor while you are taking thioridazine.

Store thioridazine at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.