Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Pimozide.
Abnormal heart rhythms: Pimozide can cause abnormal heart rhythms. Certain medications can increase the risk of a type of abnormal heart rhythm called QT prolongation, and should not be used in combination with pimozide. You are more at risk for this type of abnormal heart rhythm and its complications if you:
- are female
- are older than 65 years of age
- have a family history of sudden cardiac death
- have a history of heart disease or abnormal heart rhythms
- have a slow heart rate
- have congenital prolongation of the QT interval
- have Diabetes
- have had a Stroke
- have low potassium, magnesium, or calcium levels
- have nutritional deficiencies
If you have heart disease and abnormal heart rhythms, or are taking certain medications (e.g., ketoconazole, atazanavir), discuss with your doctor how Pimozide may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Pimozide, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Blood counts: Pimozide can decrease the number of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection), red blood cells (which carry oxygen), and platelets (which help your blood to clot). Your doctor will do blood tests to monitor this. If you notice any signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, or sore throat) or unusual bleeding or bruising, contact your doctor immediately.
Blood pressure: People who take pimozide may develop very Low Blood Pressure causing dizziness and lightheadedness. Some individuals, especially seniors or those who are debilitated, have had temporary low blood pressure for several hours after taking the medication.
Body temperature: Pimozide, like other antipsychotic medications, may interfere with your body's ability to regulate body temperature. People who exercise vigorously, who are exposed to extreme heat, are dehydrated, or are taking anticholinergic medications (e.g., Benztropine, Oxybutynin) are more at risk. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you feel very hot and are unable to cool down.
Take care to avoid overheating during strenuous exercise or in hot temperatures, and avoid becoming dehydrated by drinking enough fluids.
Diabetes: Pimozide may cause an increase in blood sugar levels (may cause a loss of blood glucose control) and glucose tolerance may change. People with diabetes may find it necessary to monitor their blood sugar more frequently while using Pimozide.
If you have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Pimozide may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Pimozide, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Pimozide may reduce alertness, especially at the start of treatment. Alcohol may increase this effect. Avoid tasks requiring alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you determine if the medication affects you this way.
Grapefruit juice: Grapefruit juice prevents pimozide from being broken down (metabolized) in the body and may cause an increase in side effects. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice if you take pimozide.
Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Pimozide to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Pimozide may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Pimozide, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Pimozide.
If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): Pimozide, like other antipsychotic medications, can cause a potentially fatal syndrome known as neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). If you notice the symptoms of NMS such as high fever, muscle stiffness, confusion or loss of consciousness, sweating, racing or irregular heartbeat, or fainting, get immediate medical attention.
Seizures: Pimozide may increase the risk of seizures. If you have a history of Epilepsy or medical conditions that increase the risk of seizures, discuss with your doctor how Pimozide may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Pimozide, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Stopping the medication: Do not stop taking Pimozide without speaking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly may lead to uncomfortable side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, difficulty sleeping, or unwanted movement. Your doctor may wish to gradually reduce your dose over time.
Tardive dyskinesia (TD): As with all antipsychotic medications, a syndrome called TD may occur for some people on long-term therapy or after they stop taking the medication. The syndrome's main features are rhythmical involuntary movements of the tongue, face, mouth, or jaw. Tell the doctor if you notice these symptoms in yourself or someone else taking pimozide.
Pregnancy: The safe of use of pimozide during pregnancy has not been established. It should not be taken by women who are or may become pregnant, particularly during the first trimester of pregnancy, unless the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast-feeding: Pimozide may pass into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking pimozide, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Pimozide have not been established for children. Pimozide is not recommended for children.
Seniors: When used to treat seniors with Dementia, other antipsychotic medications have shown an increase in the risk of death as a result of Heart Attack, stroke, or infection. Pimozide should not be used to treat seniors with dementia.
