Uses
Mellaril may be prescribed to control the symptoms of schizophrenia and other serious mental and emotional issues, such as disturbed thinking, loss of interest in life, extreme feelings, and hallucinations. While Mellaril may help to alleviate schizophrenic symptoms, it is not intended to cure schizophrenia. There are serious health risks associated with the use of this medication; it will only be prescribed if other drugs do not work and if the benefits of using this medication outweigh the risks. In general, Mellaril is considered only after at least two other medications have failed to help, or have resulted in intolerable side effects.
Finding a therapist or counselor to assist in your treatment if you are prescribed psychotropic medication may help you achieve better, longer-lasting mental health outcomes. Antipsychotic medication helps many people improve the quality of their life while experiencing debilitating symptoms, but medication in conjunction with psychotherapy can help a person better understand their condition and events that trigger symptoms, emotions, and behaviors. Several prominent, peer-reviewed studies indicate that medication taken in conjunction with psychotherapy treatment may produce better long-term results than medication alone for mental health issues.
Dosage
- How can I take Mellaril safely?
Mellaril comes in tablet form, as a concentrated oral solution, and as an oral suspension. When in tablet form, it is usually taken two to four times per day. A doctor may start a person out on a low dosage and then slowly increase the medication until his or her symptoms are relieved. It is important to take the medication as scheduled each day, and it should only be taken in the exact amount that has been prescribed.
- What should I do if I forget to take a dose?
Take the dose you missed as soon as you remember it. If you are close to the time for your next scheduled dose, however, skip the missed dose altogether and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose. Taking more of this drug than is prescribed may lead to an overdose.
- What should I do if I overdose?
Contact a poison control center or seek urgent medical attention immediately. Do not try to throw up unless instructed to do so by a medical professional. Symptoms of thioridazine overdose include agitation, confusion, irregular heartbeat, sleepiness, seizures, dry mouth, slowed movements, slowed breathing, difficulty urinating, constipation, blurred vision, constriction or dilation of pupils, drooling, increased or decreased body temperature, nasal congestion, skin discoloration, loss of appetite, nausea, restlessness, and coma. If any damage to the heart is stabilized, recovery is likely. People who overdose and manage to survive for at least two days have a greater chance of recovery.
Side Effects
Serious side effects of this medication may include:
- Confusion or seizures
- Irregular or fast heartbeat
- Fever, muscle stiffness, or neck cramps
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing; tightness in throat or neck
- Uncontrollable movements of the mouth, face, or jaw, a tongue that protrudes from the mouth, or unusual tongue movements
- Vision problems, particularly at night
- Rashes or hives
- Fever, sweating, or muscle stiffness
- Erection that lasts for hours
Less serious side effects may include, but are not limited to:
- Dry mouth
- Restlessness or agitation
- Unusual dreams
- Drooping eyelids, slurred speech, blank facial expression, or shuffling walk
- Hair loss, rash, or itching
- Tingling or numbness in arms, hands, ankles, or feet
- Women may experience breast enlargement, breast milk production, and missed menstrual periods
- Decreased sexual ability in men
- Difficulty urinating
- Drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision
- Weight gain
- Stomach and digestive system upset, including constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting
Precautions
Mellaril may be prescribed to control the symptoms of schizophrenia and other serious mental and emotional issues, such as disturbed thinking, loss of interest in life, extreme feelings, and hallucinations. While Mellaril may help to alleviate schizophrenic symptoms, it is not intended to cure schizophrenia. There are serious health risks associated with the use of this medication; it will only be prescribed if other drugs do not work and if the benefits of using this medication outweigh the risks. In general, Mellaril is considered only after at least two other medications have failed to help, or have resulted in intolerable side effects.
Finding a therapist or counselor to assist in your treatment if you are prescribed psychotropic medication may help you achieve better, longer-lasting mental health outcomes. Antipsychotic medication helps many people improve the quality of their life while experiencing debilitating symptoms, but medication in conjunction with psychotherapy can help a person better understand their condition and events that trigger symptoms, emotions, and behaviors. Several prominent, peer-reviewed studies indicate that medication taken in conjunction with psychotherapy treatment may produce better long-term results than medication alone for mental health issues.
Dosage
- How can I take Mellaril safely?
Mellaril comes in tablet form, as a concentrated oral solution, and as an oral suspension. When in tablet form, it is usually taken two to four times per day. A doctor may start a person out on a low dosage and then slowly increase the medication until his or her symptoms are relieved. It is important to take the medication as scheduled each day, and it should only be taken in the exact amount that has been prescribed.
- What should I do if I forget to take a dose?
Take the dose you missed as soon as you remember it. If you are close to the time for your next scheduled dose, however, skip the missed dose altogether and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose. Taking more of this drug than is prescribed may lead to an overdose.
- What should I do if I overdose?
Contact a poison control center or seek urgent medical attention immediately. Do not try to throw up unless instructed to do so by a medical professional. Symptoms of thioridazine overdose include agitation, confusion, irregular heartbeat, sleepiness, seizures, dry mouth, slowed movements, slowed breathing, difficulty urinating, constipation, blurred vision, constriction or dilation of pupils, drooling, increased or decreased body temperature, nasal congestion, skin discoloration, loss of appetite, nausea, restlessness, and coma. If any damage to the heart is stabilized, recovery is likely. People who overdose and manage to survive for at least two days have a greater chance of recovery.