Neulactil

Health and Nutrition > Medicines > N



How does it work?

Pericyazine belongs to a group of medicines known as the phenothiazine antipsychotics. It is sometimes described as a 'major tranquilliser'. It acts by blocking a variety of receptors in the brain, particularly dopamine receptors. Dopamine is involved in transmitting signals between brain cells. When there is an excess amount of dopamine in the brain it causes over-stimulation of dopamine receptors. These receptors normally act to modify behaviour and over-stimulation may result in psychotic illness. Pericyazine blocks these receptors and stops them becoming over-stimulated, thereby helping to control psychotic illness.

What is it used for?

- Agitation
- Anxiety (short term use)
- Psychotic illness
- Schizophrenia
- Violent and dangerous behaviour

Warning!

- You should not suddenly stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
- Do not drink alcohol whilst taking this medicine.

Use with caution in

- Abnormal heart rhythm seen on the heart monitoring trace (ECG) as a 'prolonged QT interval'
- Abnormal muscle weakness
- Closed angle glaucoma
- Elderly people
- Enlarged prostate gland
- Epilepsy
- Heart failure
- Hypothyroidism
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Low blood potassium levels (hypokalaemia)
- Low white blood cell count (leucopenia)
- Parkinson's disease
- Pregnancy
- Tumour of the adrenal gland (phaeochromocytoma)

Not to be used in

- Children under one year old in the liquid form
- Children, in the tablet dosage form

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.