Course of Treatment:________________________________________________________________________________

PURPOSE AND GENERAL INFORMATION

1. This medication is used to treat a variety of psychiatric problems such as overactivity, preoccupation with troublesome and recurring thoughts, and unpleasant and unusual experiences such as hearing and seeing things not normally heard nor seen. This medication will reduce or stop these experiences and help you remain outside the hospital.
2. This medication cannot "cure" the illness, but it can take away many of the symptoms or make them milder. It is important to take this medication as directed, even when you begin to feel better. It is necessary to continue taking this medication in order to keep feeling well. When taken regularly, this medication usually requires up to six weeks before the full effects are noticed.
3. When starting these medications, it is necessary to increase the doses slowly. Your physician will be increasing the dose in stages; therefore, outpatients visits will be more frequent.
4. This medication is usually prescribed for patients who have previously developed muscle difficulties with other typical antipsychotics and patients who have not had a good response to the typical antipsychotics.
5. This medication does not produce euphoria (a high feeling) and is not addictive.

1. Reduction or elimination of voices or visions not heard nor seen by others.
2. Reduction or elimination of frightening or strange beliefs and ideas not shared by others.
3. Decreased tension and agitation with more calm, relaxed feelings.
4. Improved concentration and clearer thinking; better control over thoughts and feelings with less hostile, strange, or aggressive thoughts.
5. Reduced fears, confusion, and insomnia.
6. Improved coherence of speech with greater ability to express oneself and to be understood by others.
7. Happier, brighter, and healthier feelings.
8. Increased ability to act more appropriately without wanting to laugh, cry, or smile for no apparent reason.
9. Increased ability to care for oneself, reducing the neglect of appearance and personal hygiene.
10. Prevention or delay of relapses and the need for re-hospitalization.

 

1. If you elect not to take this medication, it is important for you to understand the potential consequences. The symptoms of psychosis will not get better; in fact, they could worsen.
2. When suffering from the symptoms of psychosis, you may "hear voices" or have strange and untrue ideas. You may get excited for no apparent reason, or spend a lot of time off by yourself, or in bed, sleeping during the day and staying awake at night. You may neglect your appearance, and may become difficult to communicate with--saying things that make no sense, or barely talking at all.
3. These symptoms may lead to difficulty with your job, or relationships with your family and friends, or day-to-day functioning.
4. Left untreated, psychosis also could lead to thoughts or attempts of harming oneself or others.

 

1. Other antipsychotic medications: "typical neuroleptics" such as chlorpromazine or haloperidol, or "atypical neuroleptics" such as clozapine.
2. "Depot" injectable typical antipsychotic medications.
3. Electroconvulsive therapy.
4. Support groups, as an adjunct to medication, are often helpful in providing support, education, and guidance, they do not replace medication.

1. Take with food to lessen stomach upset.
2. Consult with your physician regarding what to do if you miss a dose of scheduled medication.
3. Do not take more of this medicine and do not take it more often than your physician has prescribed.
4. Store medicine away from heat and direct light. Keep out of the reach of children. Do not store in the bathroom medicine cabinet since heat and moisture may cause medicine to break down.
5. Do not keep outdated medicine.

1. Most side effects of antipsychotic medications are mild. May common side effects disappear after the first few weeks of treatment.
2. Drowsiness-this is usually a problem only during the first few days when you start taking the medication. If this is a problem, be very cautious if driving or performing tasks that require alertness or coordination.
3. Dizziness-may occur when you get up too quickly or change positions rapidly. This can be avoided by rising or changing positions slowly.
4. Dry mouth-for temporary relief, use sugarless gum or candy, melt bits of ice in your mouth, or use saliva substitute.
5. Blurred vision-this is temporary and usually goes away with continued use of the medication. If it becomes severe, notify your physician.
6. Difficulty in passing urine-if this becomes a problem and continues, notify your physician.
7. Tachycardia-some patients respond to this medication with a rapid heart rate. Your vital signs will be monitored as you begin to take this medication. While this is not usually dangerous, it can sometimes be a problem in certain people who already have heart problems. Pleas report this symptom to your doctor.
8. Although movement disorders (including tardive dyskinesia, which is a irreversible involuntary movement disorder), are a greater risk with the typical neuroleptics, these side effects are a small but possible risk with this medication.
9. Neuroleptic Malignancy Syndrome-a rare but potentially fatal side effect that has occurred with antipsychotic medications symptoms includes very high fever muscle stiffness and confusion, irregular heart beat and sweating. If these symptoms occur seek immediate medical attention. Individuals who have had a heatstroke maybe at greater risk for this condition.
10. Weight gain may occur in some patients while taking this medicine. If this is not desired, exercise and dietary restriction may be helpful.

1. Weight gain may occur in some patients while taking this medicine. If this is not desired, exercise and dietary restriction may be helpful.
2. Most side effects of antipsychotic medications are mild. Many common side effects disappear after the first few weeks of treatment.
3. Drowsiness-this is usually a problem only during the first few days when you start taking the medication. If this is a problem, be very cautious if driving or performing tasks that require alertness or coordination.
4. Dizziness-may occur when you get up too quickly or change positions rapidly. This can be avoided by rising or changing positions slowly.
5. Dry mouth-for temporary relief, use sugarless gum or candy, melt bits of ice in your mouth, or use saliva substitute.
6. Blurred vision-this is temporary and usually goes away with continued use of the medication. If it becomes severe, notify your physician.
7. Tachycardia-some patients respond to this medication with a rapid heart rate. Your vital signs will be monitored as you begin to take this medication. While this is not usually dangerous, it can sometimes be a problem in certain people who already have heart problems. Pleas report this symptom to your doctor.
8. Although movement disorders (including tardive dyskinesia, which is a irreversible involuntary movement disorder), are a greater risk with the typical neuroleptics, these side effects are a small but possible risk with this medication.
9. Neuroleptic Malignancy Syndrome-a rare but potentially fatal side effect that has occurred with antipsychotic medications symptoms includes very high fever muscle stiffness and confusion, irregular heart beat and sweating. If these symptoms occur seek immediate medical attention. Individuals who have had a heatstroke maybe at greater risk for this condition.

1. Most side effects of antipsychotic medications are mild. Many common side effects disappear after the first few weeks of treatment.
2. Drowsiness-this is usually a problem only during the first few days when you start taking the medication. If this is a problem, be very cautious if driving or performing tasks that require alertness or coordination.
3. Dizziness-may occur when you get up too quickly or change positions rapidly. This can be avoided by rising or changing positions slowly.
4. Although movement disorders (including tardive dyskinesia, which is an irreversible involuntary movement disorder), are a greater risk with the typical neuroleptics, these side effects are a small but possible risk with this medication.
5. Neuroleptic Malignancy Syndrome-a rare but potentially fatal side effect that has occurred with antipsychotic medications symptoms includes very high fever muscle stiffness and confusion, irregular heartbeat and sweating. If these symptoms occur seek immediate medical attention. Individuals who have had a heatstroke maybe at greater risk for this condition.
6. Make sure your doctor knows you are taking Phenytoin (Dilantin®), Phenobarbital, Carbamazepine (Tegretol®), Rifampin, Thioridazine (Mellaril®), medication for Parkinson’s Disease (such as Levodopa), medicine to lower blood pressure, or medicine to treat infections (such as Erythromycin, Itraconazole, Fluconazole, or Ketaconazole).
7. Your doctor will want to test your eyes for cataracts while you are taking this medication. Keep all of your appointments which your doctor makes for you.

1. Do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking antipsychotics.
2. Do not stop taking this medication before checking with your doctor. Because people respond to medicines in very individual ways, you and your physician may have to go through a trial period to find the right drug and dosage that work best for you.
3. Before taking this medication, tell your physician what prescription and non-prescription medications you are taking (or have taken recently). Do not begin taking prescription or non-prescription medication without consulting your physician.
4. Female patients: notify your doctor if you think you are pregnant, if you want to become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding while taking this medication.
5. Avoid direct exposure to sunlight while taking this medication, because this medication may cause your skin to be more sensitive to sunlight than it is normally. If you must be out in the sun, wear protective clothing, including a hat, and sunglasses. Apply a sun block product that has a skin protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.
6. This medication will often make you sweat less, causing your body temperature to increase. Use extra care not to become overheated during exercise or hot weather while you are taking this medicine, since overheating may result in heat stroke.
7. Smoking increases the metabolism of this medication leading to unpredictable or diminished drug effects. It is best not to smoke; but if you do smoke, frequent monitoring of the medications clinical effects is necessary.

If you have questions or concerns regarding this medication, your physician may be reached at one of the following locations:

University Hospital
Psychiatric Unit
4502 Medical Drive
San Antonio, TX 78229
(210) 358-1260

University Health Center Downtown
Psychiatry Services - West Annex
1115 West Martin
San Antonio, TX 78207
(210) 358-3730

PHARMACY INFORMATION

A pharmacist is also available to answer questions about your medication, and your prescription for this medication may be refilled at the following locations:

University Hospital Outpatient Pharmacy
4502 Medical Drive
San Antonio, TX 78229
Pharmacist Line: (210) 358-2905
Refill Line: (210) 358-4186
Outpatient Pharmacy Hours:
Monday thru Friday 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Weekend & Holidays: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

University Health Center Downtown Pharmacy
527 N. Leona St.
San Antonio, TX 78207
Pharmacist Line: (210) 358-3466
Refill Line: (210) 358-3476
Pharmacy Hours:
Monday thru Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Saturday 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sundays and Holidays: Closed

University Family Health Center, Southeast Pharmacy
3819 S. Gevers
San Antonio, TX 78223
Pharmacist Line: (210) 358-5534
Refill Line: (210) 358-5535
Pharmacy Hours:
Monday thru Thursday 8:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Fridays: 8:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Saturdays: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Sundays and Holidays: Closed

University Family Health Center, Southwest Pharmacy
2121 SW 36th St.
San Antonio, TX 78237
Pharmacist Line: (210) 358-5137
Refill Line: (210) 358-5138
Pharmacy Hours:
Monday thru Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Fridays: 8:30 a.m. through 5:00 p.m.
Weekends and Holidays: Closed

PLEASE CALL REFILL LINE 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE. ALLOW 1 BUSINESS DAY (M-F) FOR REFILLS.
PLEASE BE PREPARED TO PROVIDE YOUR NAME, PHONE NUMBER, HEALTH SYSTEM I.D. NUMBER, AND Rx NUMBERS (S).