Melleril (discontinued in the UK - June 2005)

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

- Constipation
- Difficulty in passing urine (urinary retention)
- Dry mouth
- A drop in blood pressure that occurs when going from lying down to sitting or standing, which results in dizziness and lightheadedness (postural hypotension)
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Blood disorders
- Nasal congestion
- Fits (convulsions)
- Abnormal heart beats (arrhythmias)
- Abnormal reaction of the skin to light, usually a rash (photosensitivity)
- Problems with sexual function
- Heart attack (myocardial infarction)
- Abnormal movements of the hands, legs, face, neck and tongue, eg tremor, twitching, rigidity (extrapyramidal effects)
- Rhythmical involuntary movement of the tongue, face, mouth and jaw, which may sometimes be accompanied by involuntary movements of the arms and legs (tardive dyskinesia)
- High temperature combined with falling levels of consciousness, paleness, sweating and a fast heart beat (neuroleptic malignant syndrome). Requires stopping the medicine and immediate medical treatment.
- Visual disturbances

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

The following should not be taken with thioridazine, as they increase the risk of heart beat irregularities: - certain antiarrhythmics eg quinidine, procainamide and amiodarone - certain antihistamines eg terfenadine - certain antimalarials eg quinine and chloroquine - certain other antipsychotics eg chlorpromazine and haloperidol - opiates eg codeine and dihydrocodeine - tricyclic antidepressants eg amitriptyline - maprotiline - SSRI antidepressants eg fluoxetine, sertraline and paroxetine - protease inhibitors for HIV infection such as ritonavir - certain beta blockers eg sotalol, timolol and labetolol - lithium - pentamidine - captopril - ondansetron - yohimbine - phenylpropanolamine (in some cough and cold remedies) - ecstasy (MDMA) - amphetamine Medicines that can alter the levels of salts (electrolytes) in the blood should be avoided while taking thioridazine. These include diuretics such as frusemide and amiloride. The sedative effects of thioridazine may be increased by alcohol and medicines that cause drowsiness, such as medicines for anxiety, sleeping tablets and strong painkillers. Thioridazine may enhance the effect of medicines for high blood pressure, causing dizziness or fainting. Side effects such as drowsiness, constipation and dry mouth may be increased if thioridazine is taken with medicines that have similar side effects (anticholinergic medicines) such as antihistamines, antispasmodics, muscle relaxants and antiparkinsonian medicines. Side effects such as sedation, constipation and low blood pressure may be increased if thioridazine is taken with MAOI antidepressants such as moclobemide. Levodopa and thioridazine may oppose the effects of each other. When taken with barbiturates such as phenobarbitone, blood levels of both medicines are lowered. Thioridazine may increase or reduce blood levels of phenytoin. If the two are taken together phenytoin levels should be monitored.

<<Go To Page 1

The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use



© Copyright 1998 - 2004 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved