Starting dose: 50 mg on the 1st day, 100 mg on the 2nd day, 200 mg on the 3rd day, & 300 mg on the 4th day. Alternatively, 100 mg on the 1st day, 200 mg on the 2nd day, 300 mg on the 3rd day, & 400 mg on the 4th day. Recommended dose: 150-800 mg once daily at bedtime, or bd.
Patients w/ heart problems or low BP; liver disease; history of stroke &/or convulsions; DM or risk factors for DM. May impair ability to drive or operate machinery. Reduce dose gradually before stopping treatment. Neonates exposed to antipsychotic drugs during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy are at risk for extrapyramidal &/or w/drawal symptoms following delivery. Should be used during pregnancy only if potential benefit justifies potential risk to fetus. Should not be taken by elderly people w/ dementia.
Dizziness, sleepiness. Tachycardia or fainting; dry mouth or runny nose; indigestion or constipation; tiredness; swelling of limbs; wt gain (mainly in the 1st wk of treatment); hyperglycemia; hypotension when standing.
Drug Interactions
Potential interaction w/ anxiolytics or antidepressants; antiepileptics (eg, carbamazepine, phenytoin); anti-infectives (eg, erythromycin, ketoconazole); antihypertensives; rifampicin; PIs (eg, nelfinavir); barbiturates; other antipsychotics (eg, thioridazine). May cause drowsiness w/ concomitant use of alcohol.
Sign Out
