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Orap

Generic name: pimozidePIM-oh-zide ]
Drug class: Miscellaneous antipsychotic agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 9, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Orap?

Orap works by changing the actions of chemicals in the brain.

Orap is used in people with Tourette's syndrome. This medicine suppresses the physical (motor) and vocal (phonic) symptoms of tics when these symptoms interfere with daily life function.

Orap is not for use in treating motor tics that are not caused by Tourette's syndrome.

Orap may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Orap side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

High doses or long-term use of pimozide can cause a serious movement disorder that may not be reversible. The longer you use Orap, the more likely you are to develop this disorder, especially if you are an older adult.

Orap may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of Orap may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

You should not use Orap if you have long QT syndrome, low blood levels of potassium or magnesium, or if you take any medication that can cause tics (such as a stimulant or ADHD medication).

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using. Many drugs can cause serious medical problems if you take them together with Orap.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to Orap or other antipsychotic medicines, or if:

Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used with Orap. Your doctor may change your treatment plan if you also use:

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Taking Orap during the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause problems in the newborn, such as withdrawal symptoms, breathing problems, feeding problems, fussiness, tremors, and limp or stiff muscles. However, you may have withdrawal symptoms or other problems if you stop taking your medicine during pregnancy. Do not stop taking this medicine without your doctor's advice.

You should not breast-feed while using Orap.

Orap is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old.

How should I take Orap?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea. You may develop an electrolyte imbalance, which could cause heart rhythm problems while you are taking Orap.

It may take several weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis. Your heart function may need to be checked using an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG).

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Do not stop using Orap suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using Orap.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include muscle stiffness, shallow breathing, or feeling light-headed.

What should I avoid while taking Orap?

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how Orap will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of pimozide.

Grapefruit may interact with Orap and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products.

What other drugs will affect Orap?

Orap can cause a serious heart problem. Your risk may be higher if you also use certain other medicines for infections, asthma, heart problems, high blood pressure, depression, mental illness, cancer, malaria, or HIV.

Using Orap with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Many drugs can affect Orap, and some drugs should not be used at the same time. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.