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.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than the possible risk to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine passes into breast milk. It is recommended that mothers should avoid using this medicine while breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

This medication may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcoholic drink.

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