Uses of Pimozide

Pimozide is used in the treatment of illnesses affecting the way you think, feel or behave. These illness may make you feel confused, see, hear or feel things that are not there (hallucinations), believe things that are not true (delusions) and feel unusually suspicious (paranoia).

Therapeutic Category

Pimozide: Neuroleptics 

How Pimozide works

Pimozide is a neuroleptic that acts in the brain by binding to certain receptors called dopamine D2 receptors. Thereby, decreasing the abnormal excitement in the brain.

Common side effects of Pimozide

• sweating more than usual
• urinating (passing water) at night
• feeling dizzy, sleepy
• feeling agitated or restless 
• feeling low or depressed 
• difficulty sleeping 
• feeling tired or lacking in energy 
• loss of appetite 
• dry mouth, vomiting, constipation
• headache
• blurred vision 
• very oily skin
• need to pass water (urine) more often than usual 
• erection problems in men
• weight gain

When to consult your doctor

• in case of accidental overdosage
• if you experience severe allergic reaction such as rash, hives (urticaria), severe irritation of skin
• if you experience a serious problem called ‘neuroleptic malignant syndrome’ characterised by fast heartbeat, changing blood pressure and sweating followed by fever, faster breathing, muscle stiffness and loss of consciousness and may lead to coma
• if you experience fast heartbeat (tachycardia), abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia), fluttering of heart
• if you experience jerky movements and problems such as slowness, muscle stiffness or spasm, shaking, trembling or tremors, feeling restless and stiff neck, more saliva than normal, twitching or unusual movements of the tongue, face, mouth, jaw or throat, difficulty speaking or rolling of the eyes
• if you experience low sodium levels in the blood which can cause tiredness and confusion, muscle twitching, fits or coma
• if you experience symptoms of blood clots in the veins especially in the legs (include swelling, pain and redness in the leg), which may travel through blood vessels to the lungs causing chest pain and difficulty in breathing

Health Tips for Pimozide

• Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking Pimozide, as it may worsen the side effects of this medication
• Be cautious in extreme weather conditions as Pimozide can affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature
• Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking Pimozide as it may interact with the medication and increase the risk of side effects