Pimozide

Generic name: pimozide [ PIM-oh-zide ]
Brand name: Orap
Dosage form: oral tablet (1 mg; 2 mg)
Drug class:Miscellaneous antipsychotic agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on May 13, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is pimozide?

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

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

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

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

Warnings

You should not use pimozide 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 pimozide.

Before taking this medicine

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

• you have low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood;

• you have long QT syndrome (in you or a family member); or

• you take medicines that can cause tics, such as a stimulant or ADHD medication (Adderalll, Ritalin, and others).

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

• ADHD medication;

• an antibiotic or antifungal medication;

• anti-psychotic medication;

• an antidepressant;

• antiviral medicines to treat hepatitis C or HIV;

• anti-malaria medication;

• heart rhythm medication;

• medicine to prevent or treat nausea and vomiting (such as Zofran);

• "triptan" migraine headache medicine (such as Imitrex or Maxalt); or

• opioid medication.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease;

• kidney disease;