What is Mellaril (Thioridazine) prescribed for?

This medication is used in the treatment of certain mental and mood disorders, for example one such disorder would be schizophrenia. In taking this medication, it can help you overall with taking part in everyday life events, allows you to think more clearly, and helps you feel less nervous.

Taking this medication can also help prevent suicide in people that are most likely to harm themselves and reduce aggression and the desire to hurt others. And by taking this medication it can also decrease your negative thoughts and hallucinations.

Thioridazine belongs to a class of drugs known as phenothiazines.

This medication is to be taken by mouth, with or without food. And it is usually taken 2 to 4 times a day.

Remember that the dosage is based on your medical condition and your response to therapy. Once your condition improves and have been feeling better for a good stretch of time, you doctor may work with you to reduce you regular dose. This will be done over time. At any time do not stop taking this medication, or lower your dose without speaking to your doctor first.  Your condition may become worse if the medication is stopped abruptly.

Inform you doctor if your condition does not improve or worsens.

Before taking this medication, it is best to advise your doctor if you are allergic to Thioridazine; or to other phenothiazines (e.g., chlorpromazine); or to any other medications or allergies in general.

Before taking this medication, it is for the best to inform you doctor of you Medical history. Especially if you have any of the following; nervous system problems (such as seizures, drug/alcohol overdose, severe drowsiness), blood pressure problems, certain blood problems (such as low white blood cell count), Parkinson's disease, low enzymes needed to remove drugs from the body (slow hydroxylator).

Thioridazine may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away.

The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using thioridazine, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death).

Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using thioridazine safely.

Some of these side effects may occur when taking this medication; they are as follows; Dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, difficulty urinating, constipation, restlessness, headache, and blurred vision may occur. However if any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor right away.

Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: shakiness (tremors), mask-like facial expression, jerking movements while walking, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), vision changes (e.g., vision loss, sudden difficulty seeing at night, brown-tinged vision).

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: severe dizziness, fainting, slow heartbeat, seizures.

Thioridazine may rarely cause a condition known as tardive dyskinesia. In some cases this condition may be permanent. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any unusual/uncontrolled movements (especially of the face, lips, tongue, arms or legs).

In rare cases, thioridazine may increase your level of a certain chemical made by the body (prolactin). For females, this increase in prolactin may result in unwanted breast milk, missed/stopped periods, or difficulty becoming pregnant. For males, it may result in decreased sexual ability, inability to produce sperm, or enlarged breasts. If you develop any of these symptoms, tell your doctor right away.

This medication may rarely cause a very serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Get medical help right away if you have any of the following symptoms: fever, muscle stiffness/pain/tenderness/weakness, severe tiredness, severe confusion, sweating, fast/irregular heartbeat, dark urine, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine).

What happens if I suddenly stop taking this medication?

There may be a relapse in symptoms as well as side effects. You should speak your doctor before stop taking this medication.

 What is the best dosage to take?

The diagnosis with your doctor will be able to determine the best dosage for your treatment. Work with your doctor closely for dosage and dosing schedules.

 What happens if I miss a dose?

You should take the missed dose as soon you realize you have forgotten. If the forgotten dose is closer to your next scheduled dose, take the next schedule dose to avoid overlapping in dose.

 What is the best way to store this medication?

This medication is stored at room temperature, and should be kept away from children and pets. Do not throw away this medication in the wastebasket. If you are uncertain how to dispose of this medication speak with your pharmacist for help in safely disposing of this medication.