Mesoridazine Oral

Conditions Treated

Mesoridazine is used to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia and reduce restlessness, anxiety, and tension. It can also reduce hyperactivity and uncooperativeness.

Possible Side Effects

What Side Effects Can This Cause?

Side effects from mesoridazine are common. Your urine may turn pink or reddish-brown; this effect is not harmful. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• constipation
• restlessness
• headache
• weight gain

If you experience any of the following symptoms or the one listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:

• dizziness or seizures
• lightheadedness or fainting
• tremor
• jaw, neck, or back muscle spasms
• restlessness or pacing
• fine worm-like tongue movements
• unusual face, mouth, or jaw movements
• shuffling walk
• slow, jerky movements
• seizures or convulsions
• difficulty urinating or loss of bladder control
• eye pain or discoloration
• difficulty breathing or fast breathing
• skin rash
• yellowing of the skin or eyes

Usage Instructions

How Should This Medication Be Used

Mesoridazine comes as a tablet and liquid concentrate to take by mouth. It is usually taken two or three times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take mesoridazine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. The liquid concentrate must be diluted before use. It comes with a specially marked dropper for measuring the dose. Ask your pharmacist to show you how to use the dropper if you have difficulty. To dilute the liquid concentrate, add it to at least 2 ounces (60 milliliters) of water, orange juice, or grape juice before taking it. If any of the juice gets on the dropper, rinse the dropper with tap water before replacing it in the bottle. Do not allow the liquid concentrate to touch your skin or clothing; it can irritate your skin. If you spill the liquid concentrate on your skin, wash it off immediately with soap and water. Continue to take mesoridazine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking mesoridazine without talking to your doctor, especially if you have taken large doses for a long time. Your doctor probably will decrease your dose gradually. This drug must be taken regularly for a few weeks before its full effect is felt.

What Dietary Instructions Should I Follow

Mesoridazine may cause an upset stomach. Take mesoridazine with food or milk.

Are There Any Special Instructions

Before taking mesoridazine, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to mesoridazine or any other drugs. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially antacids, antihistamines, appetite reducers (amphetamines), benztropine (Cogentin), bromocriptine (Parlodel), carbamazepine (Tegretol), dicyclomine (Bentyl), fluoxetine (Prozac), guanethidine (Ismelin), lithium, medications for colds, medications for depression, meperidine (Demerol), methyldopa (Aldomet), phenytoin (Dilantin), propranolol (Inderal), quinidine, sedatives, trihexyphenidyl (Artane), valproic acid (Depakane), and vitamins. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had depression; seizures; shock therapy; asthma; emphysema; chronic bronchitis; problems with your urinary system or prostate; glaucoma; history of alcohol abuse; thyroid problems; angina; irregular heartbeat; problems with your blood pressure; blood disorders; or blood vessel, heart, kidney, liver, or lung disease. if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking mesoridazine. you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you. remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug. plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Mesoridazine may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.