Orap (Pimozide)

What is Orap?

Orap (pimozide) is an antipsychotic agent of the diphenylbutylpiperidine type.

What is Orap used for?

Patients with Tourette syndrome exhibit symptoms of motor tic and speech tics (outburst of words or sound). Orap is used to treat such conditions when other medications fail.

How does Orap work?

Orap works by preventing the action of a naturally occurring chemical in brain known as dopamine.

How to use Orap

Orap should be used in the manner prescribed by a doctor. Taking the medicine for longer period or in larger amount than prescribed can be harmful.

The dosage of Orap depends on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Orap is usually taken with food unless otherwise prescribed by your doctor. Consumption of grapefruit juice should be avoided while using Orap.

Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly as this may lead to withdrawal symptoms (involuntary movement of tongue, face, mouth or jaw and arms or legs).

Orap warnings and precautions

Orap is not administered to patients who are allergic to pimozide or who are undergoing treatment of simple tics (tics other than those associated with Tourette syndrome). Patients having congenital long QT syndrome, history of irregular heartbeat, low potassium or magnesium levels in blood, severe nervous system depression or using certain heart medicine which cause irregular heartbeat (prolonged QT interval) are also advised against using Orap.

Prior to taking the medication, inform your doctor if you are allergic to any other drug or have any of the following conditions: breast cancer, enlarged prostate, blockage in bowel, tardive dyskinesia, liver or kidney problems, EEG (electroencephalogram) abnormalities, unusual growth or tumor in brain.

Orap should be used with extreme caution with children younger than 12 years old.

This medication is believed to pass through breast milk. Therefore, pregnant and lactating women are advised to discuss the possible benefits and risks of taking Orap with their respective doctors.

What do I do if I have missed a Orap dose?

If you have missed an Orap dose, take it as soon as you remember. If, however, it is time for your next dose the missed dose can be skipped. No matter what, a double dose should never be taken.

What do I do if I have taken a Orap overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Orap, consult your doctor immediately. An overdose of this medicine may prove to be fatal and the symptoms include blurred vision, fast heart rate, confusion, weak or shallow breathing, cold or clammy skin, feeling of passing out, or convulsions.

Orap interactions

Some drugs which may interact with Orap include: delavirdine, aprepitant, HIV protease inhibitors, quinolone antibiotics, nefazodone, azole antifungal agents, droperidol, fluvoxamine, dofetilide, cisapride, astemizole, amiodarone, antiarrhythmics, halofantrine, ketolide antibiotics, macrolide antibiotics, tricyclic antidepressants, terfenadine, streptogramins, among others.

Other drugs may also interact with Orap. So, it is necessary to inform your doctor about all the prescription/non prescription drugs/herbal medicines that you are taking, before taking this medication.

You should not start taking any new medicine, without consulting your doctor.

Orap side effects

Side effects from Orap include allergic reactions such as hives, breathing difficulty, swelling of face, tongue, lips, or throat and other serious side-effects such as fever, involuntary movements of tongue, mouth, face or jaw; decreased sexual function; muscle spasms; irregular heartbeats; sleep related problems, and vision changes.

Drowsiness, dry mouth, and constipation are some less serious side effects of Orap.