Serentil Medication - Uses & Side Effects

MESORIDAZINE (Serentil®) treats conditions such as schizophrenia that cause you to hear or see things that others do not. It may also help treat some other emotional or nervous problems.

Serentil has been limited to patients that have not been successful on other treatment options because of the risk of significant, potentially life-threatening, proarrhythmic effects. The FDA required that Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Serentil manufacturer, make labeling changes to adequately warn physicians prescribing Serentil and the patients using Serentil of the dose-related prolongation of the QTc interval and potential for serious cardiac arrhythmias.

Serentil Dosage

• The usual starting dose of Serentil tablets or oral solution is 50 milligrams taken 3 times daily. Over the long term, the usual daily dose ranges from 100 to 400 milligrams per day.

Uses of Serentil

• Mesoridazine is used to treat schizophrenia.
• Mesoridazine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
• Mesoridazine is used to treat a mental/emotional condition (schizophrenia) that is untreatable with other drugs.

Side Effects of Serentil

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe to continue taking Serentil. Side effects generally occur when high doses are given early in treatment. Side effects may include:

• Blurred vision
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• impotence
• incontinence
• low blood pressure
• nausea
• rash
• muscle rigidity
• slowed heartbeat
• tremor
• vomiting

Warnings and precautions before taking Serentil :

• Before using Serentil, tell your doctor if you have a history of heart problems. The doctor will perform tests to check the health of your heart before prescribing Serentil.
• Serentil can cause tardive dyskinesia, a condition marked by involuntary muscle spasms and twitches in the face and body, including chewing movements, puckering, puffing the cheeks, and sticking out the tongue. This condition may be permanent and appears to be most common among older adults, especially older women. Ask your doctor for more information about this possible risk.
• Drugs such as Serentil can cause a potentially fatal condition called Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). Symptoms include high fever, rigid muscles, irregular pulse or blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, excessive perspiration, and changes in heart rhythm. If you have these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. Serentil therapy should be discontinued.
• This type of drug can cause vision problems. Tell your doctor if you have a change in your vision while taking Serentil.
• Serentil may impair your ability to drive a car or operate machinery. Do not participate in any activities that require full alertness until you are sure of your reaction to Serentil.
• Serentil should be used with caution if you have ever had breast cancer. The drug stimulates production of a hormone that promotes the growth of certain types of tumors.
• Serentil may cause a condition called agranulocytosis, a dangerous drop in the number of certain kinds of white blood cells. Symptoms include fever, lethargy, sore throat, and weakness.

Drug Interaction :- Remember that Serentil must never be combined with alcohol, barbiturates, or narcotics. It's also best to avoid combining it with other drugs prescribed for schizophrenia, depression, or anxiety, or with the spasm-quelling drug atropine (Donnatal). Be careful, too, to avoid exposure to phosphorus insecticides.

Overdose

An overdose of Serentil can be fatal. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of Serentil overdose include:

• Absence of reflexes
• agitation
• blurred vision
• coma
• confusion
• convulsions
• difficulty breathing
• disorientation
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• enlarged pupils
• heartbeat irregularities
• heart failure or arrest
• high temperature nasal congestion
• overactive reflexes
• rigid muscles
• stupor
• swollen throat
• throat spasms
• vomiting