What it is used for
- Treating schizophrenia in adults
- Added to an antidepressant for major depression when the antidepressant alone is not enough, as your doctor decides
How it is used
- Use it only as prescribed by your doctor; your doctor decides the dose and increases it gradually
- Tablets are swallowed with water, with or without food, at about the same time each day
- Do not stop it or change the dose without asking your doctor, even if you feel better
Possible side effects
- Weight gain
- A feeling of inner restlessness and difficulty keeping still
- Sleepiness, headache or dizziness
- Tremor or muscle stiffness
Who should not use it
- Do not use it if you are allergic to the active ingredient or any other ingredient in the product
Before and while using it
- It raises the risk of death and stroke in older people with dementia; it is used for them only when a specialist decides
- Tell your doctor straight away about any thoughts of self-harm or sudden mood changes, especially in young people at the start of treatment
- It can increase weight, blood sugar and blood fats; your doctor will check these during treatment
- It can cause strong urges that are hard to resist, such as gambling, eating or shopping; tell your doctor if you or your family notice this
- Get medical help straight away for high fever with severe muscle stiffness, confusion or sweating, or for uncontrollable movements of the face or tongue
- It can cause dizziness on standing and drowsiness; get up slowly and do not drive until you know how it affects you
Medicine interactions
- Fluoxetine, paroxetine, clarithromycin and some antifungals can raise its level in the blood
- Rifampicin, carbamazepine and St John's wort can make it less effective
- Alcohol, sedatives and sleeping tablets: drowsiness may increase
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the medicines, supplements and herbal products you take
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding; use late in pregnancy can cause temporary movement or breathing symptoms in the newborn, and do not stop the medicine yourself
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.