Orap

The active ingredient in Orap is pimozide, which is an antipsychotic. Although the precise mechanism of action of the drug is not known, it does block dopamine receptors in the brain. This is thought to lessen tics, which are abrupt, uncontrollable sounds or movements.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Orap. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Orap:

• If you have diarrhea or vomiting, call your doctor. While using Orap, you run the risk of developing an electrolyte imbalance that could interfere with your heart's rhythm.
• Before your symptoms become better, it can take a few weeks. Continue taking the drug as prescribed, and let your doctor know if your symptoms worsen or do not go away.
• Your development must be regularly monitored by your physician. It could be necessary to use an electrocardiograph, or ECG (also known as an EKG), to check the function of your heart.
• Orap can be taken with or without food; however, grapefruit and grapefruit juice should be avoided. When used combined, they can produce major negative effects and increase your body's levels of Orap.
• As directed, take Orap precisely. With increased dosages of this drug, major and perhaps fatal cardiac issues may develop. Before beginning this medicine and throughout therapy, you will probably need to have an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) to ensure your heart is in good condition.

The most common side effects of Orap seen in clinical trials include:

• Drowsiness.
• Dry mouth.
• Behavior problems.
• Constipation.
• Vision changes.
• Trouble swallowing.
• Muscle pain.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Orap. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Uncontrollable behaviors such as lip-smacking, eye blinking, tongue protrusion, and grimacing are signs of tardive dyskinesia.
• High fever, rapid heartbeat, rigidity throughout the body, and disorientation are symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).
• Changes in your heart rhythm may occur, including arrhythmias or torsades de pointes.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Orap. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Orap, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Using this medication is not advised if you have an allergy to Orap or other antipsychotic medications, or if:
• Your blood's potassium and magnesium levels are low.
• You or a family member have a history of arrhythmias or QT prolongation.
• You take stimulants or ADHD medications (Adderall, Ritalin, and others) that might trigger tics.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• Liver disease.
• Kidney disease.
• Seizures or epilepsy.
• Heart problems, high blood pressure, or a heart attack.
• An enlarged prostate or urination problems.
• Glaucoma.
• Uncontrollable muscle movements are a symptom of tardive dyskinesia, a disorder brought on by antipsychotic drugs like Orap. Inform your prescriber if you begin to experience this.
• Until you understand how Orap affects you, avoid operating machinery, driving, and riding a bike. Sleepiness, lightheadedness, changes in vision, and difficulty moving your muscles are possible side effects.
• Rare case reports have suggested possible additive effects of pimozide and fluoxetine leading to bradycardia (unusually slow heartbeat).

Certain medical disorders or circumstances are known as contraindications, and they raise safety concerns about a medication's use. Pimozide will not be safe for you to consume if you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you. Please inform your healthcare practitioner of this.

• Treating tics not brought on by Tourette syndrome or other drugs.
• Unusual heartbeat issues.
• Being in a coma for any reason.
• Taking macrolide antibiotics (such as azithromycin (Zithromax), clarithromycin, erythromycin (Ery-Tab), citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), sertraline (Zoloft), or other drugs that significantly slow down the body's breakdown of Orap.
• Sotalol.
• Because ORAP prolongs the QT interval of the electrocardiogram it is contraindicated in patients with congenital long QT syndrome.

The entire effects of Orap may not be felt for several months, however, it is likely to take a few weeks before you see any effects. The majority of research examined the drug's effects at least one month later.

When Orap is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• ADHD drugs.
• An antifungal or antibacterial drug (itraconazole).
• Anti-psychotic drugs (chlorpromazine, thioridazine, haloperidol).
• An antidepressant (nefazodone).
• Antiviral medications to treat HIV or hepatitis C.
• Anti-malarial drugs (mefloquine).
• Medicine for heart rhythm such as amiodarone or quinidine.
• Medication (like Zofran) that prevents or treats nausea and vomiting.
• "Triptan" migraine medications (like Maxalt or Imitrex).
• Opioid drugs.
• HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., atazanavir, darunavir, lopinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir)
• Amphetamines (e.g., chlorphentermine, cloforex, dexfenfluramine, fenfluramine, levofenfluramine, norfenfluramine).
• Calcium channel blockers (e.g., amlodipine, diltiazem, nifedipine, verapamil).

Adults: One to two milligrams taken orally each day, divided into several doses throughout the day, is the usual starting dosage. The maximum dose per day is 10 mg.

Children (ages 12 and up): Your child's weight will determine the dosage, which should be taken orally before bed. The maximum dose per day is 10 mg.

Store Orap in a dry, room temperature place and out of reach of children.

Teva Pharmaceuticals is the manufacturing company of Orap.

There are several lower-cost generic versions available of Orap.

Avoid abruptly stopping Orap as this may result in unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Find out from your doctor how to discontinue taking Orap safely.

The infant may experience withdrawal symptoms, respiratory issues, feeding issues, fussiness, tremors, and lame or stiff muscles if Orap is taken during the final three months of pregnancy. However, stopping your medication while pregnant could cause withdrawal symptoms or other issues. Never stop using this medication without first consulting your physician.

If you are nursing a baby, it is recommended that you avoid using this medication. This is due to the possibility that trace amounts could enter the mother's milk. However, talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.