Orap is an oral pill made up of a miscellaneous antipsychotic drug called pimozide. We carry the brand choice of this medication in 4mg!

Orap is used in patients with Tourette’s syndrome. It should only be used by those who suffer from severe symptoms or by those who have tried other medications for Tourette’s, such as haloperidol, and were not successful at treating the condition. Tourette’s syndrome is a condition that has potential to interfere with ones everyday life due to the uncontrollable vocal and/or motor tics. Vocal tics are outbursts of words or sounds while motor tics are outbursts of movements. Although doctors don’t fully understand how Tourette’s are caused, they have a pretty good understanding of how it may work and how to control it. It is thought that Tourette’s is linked to certain parts of the brain, including the area that helps control body movements (called the basal ganglia), and may be due to differences in the chemicals that carry messages between nerve cells in this area of the brain.

Orap (pimozide) is effective at treating Tourette’s syndrome because pimozide is able to decrease the actions of the natural substances in the brain called dopamine.

This medication will not cure tics but will help reduce the frequency and severity of them.

Always follow directions given to you by your doctor. Most prescription labels have the directions written on them for your convenience.

Orap is taken by mouth with or without food. Usually it is taken once a day before you go to bed.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. Do not stop taking this medication suddenly before consulting your doctor. To lessen the chance of missing a dose, take Orap at the same time every day.

Store this medication at room temperature in a low risk area of moisture, heat and light.

Do not use Orap (pimozide)

This medication is not approved for your use if you are allergic to pimozide or other antipsychotic medicines, or if you have low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood, you (or a family member) have long QT syndrome, or if you take medicine that can cause tics, such as ADHD medications.

Do not use this product if you are breast feeding an infant.

This drug is not approved for those under the age of 12 years old.

Dose adjustment or special precautions may be required

Before taking Orap, tell your doctor if you also use an antibiotic or antifungal medication, anti-psychotic medications, an antidepressant, antiviral medicines to treat hepatitis C or HIV, anti-malaria medications, heart rhythm medications, medicine to prevent or treat nausea and vomiting, “triptan” migraine headache medicine, or opioid medications; you may need a dose adjustment.

You may need to take special precautions when taking Orap if you also have ever had liver disease, kidney disease, seizures or epilepsy, heart problems, high blood pressure, or a heart attack, an enlarged prostate or urination problems, or glaucoma.

Risks

Taking this drug in the final 3 months of pregnancy can cause problems in the newborn. These problems may include withdrawal symptoms, breathing problems, feeding problems, fussiness, tremors, and limp or stiff muscles. However there is still a risk of other complications if you do not take your medications. During time of pregnancy; ensure you are carefully following your doctor’s directions.

If you find yourself sick with vomiting or diarrhea, it may be due to an electrolyte imbalance, which may lead to heart rhythm problems; contact your doctor right away if this occurs.

Other

Your doctor will want to regularly check your progress by checking your heart function with an electrocardiograph or ECG.

Common side effects of Orap (pimozide) may include:

problems with speech or vision; drowsiness, trouble sleeping; feeling restless; tight muscles; constipation; or dry mouth.

The above side effects should not alarm you.

Serious side effects of Orap (pimozide) may include:

uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement); fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out); fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores; or a seizure (convulsions).

If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.

Contact your doctor if you notice signs of…

severe nervous system reaction--very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out.

What should I avoid while using this medication?

Alcohol and grape fruit may cause unwanted side effects and should be avoided during the duration of treatment.

How should I store this medication?

Keep this medication, like all medications, out of reach of children and small pets. It should be kept at room temperature and in an area that is does not risk becoming wet/moist, hot, or where it is directly in light.

What is the average dose for an adult with Tourette’s?

Generally for an adult, treatment would begin with a dose of 1-2mg per day, in divided doses. Every other day, the dose may be increase. Most adults are maintained at less than 10mg per day (or 0.2mg per kg of body weight per day).

Will this medication help motor or vocal tics not caused by Tourette’s?

No. This medication should only be used for motor or vocal tics caused by Tourette’s.