What it is used for
- Treating schizophrenia
- Treating manic episodes in bipolar disorder and helping prevent them coming back
- Sometimes added to an antidepressant to treat depression, when a psychiatrist decides
- In some countries, for severe irritability linked to autism and for tic disorders in children, under specialist care
How it is used
- Take it only as prescribed by your doctor; your doctor decides the dose. Tablets are swallowed with water, with or without food
- Orodispersible tablets are placed on the tongue to dissolve, and the oral solution is measured with the device supplied
- Injections are given into a muscle by a doctor or nurse; long-acting injections are given at the clinic at regular appointments
- Do not stop it or change the dose without asking your doctor, even if you feel better
Possible side effects
- Restlessness or being unable to sit still
- Nausea, headache or dizziness
- Difficulty sleeping or sleepiness
- Shaking or movements you cannot control; tell your doctor
Who should not use it
- Do not use it if you are allergic to any ingredient in the product
Before and while using it
- It can cause urges you find hard to control, such as gambling, shopping or binge eating; tell your doctor if you or your family notice this
- Get help straight away if you have thoughts of harming yourself, especially early in treatment
- Get urgent medical help for a high fever with stiff muscles or confusion
- It is not usually used for older people with dementia, as it raises the risk of stroke
- It can raise blood sugar; tell your doctor if you have diabetes, epilepsy or heart disease
- It may make you sleepy or dizzy; do not drive until you know how it affects you, and avoid alcohol
Medicine interactions
- Some medicines raise or lower its level in the blood, such as fluoxetine, paroxetine, clarithromycin, ketoconazole, carbamazepine and rifampicin
- Alcohol, sedatives and sleeping medicines add to sleepiness
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all your medicines before starting any new one
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy; use late in pregnancy can cause short-lived symptoms in the newborn, and your doctor weighs the benefits and risks
- Breastfeeding is not usually advised while taking it; ask your doctor
How to store it
- Store at room temperature away from heat and moisture, out of the sight and reach of children.
Get medical help straight away if
- Your face, lips or tongue swell, or you find it hard to breathe.
- You get a severe rash, blistering or peeling skin.
- A side effect worries you or doesn’t go away: contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Questions about this medicine?
Talk to a doctor by video, or send your question by text.
Source: Standard international medicine references
This guide is general information and doesn’t replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without asking them, and always read the leaflet in the pack.