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Pimozide Coupon - Pimozide 2mg tablet

pimozide

Generic Orap
Used for Tourette Syndrome
Used for Tourette Syndrome

Pimozide is an oral antipsychotic medication used for Tourette syndrome after other standard treatments haven't worked. It's thought to work by lowering dopamine levels in the brain, which helps to reduce tics. Generally, adults take more than one dose per day, while children 12 years and older usually take one dose at bedtime. Side effects include sleepiness, drowsiness, and difficulty moving muscles. Although the brand medication Orap is no longer available, the generic version still is.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
reviewer
Daisy Chau, PharmD
Last reviewed on September 22, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
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What is Pimozide?

What is Pimozide used for?

How Pimozide works

Pimozide is an antipsychotic. The exact way the medication works for Tourette syndrome isn't known, but it lowers dopamine levels in the brain. This is believed to help reduce tics, which are sudden, involuntary movements or sounds.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsOrap (brand no longer available)
Drug ClassAntipsychotic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Pimozide?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Adults:
  • Sleepiness (14%)
  • Inability to move muscles on your own (8%)
  • Restlessness (8%)
  • Drowsiness (7%)
  • Dry mouth (5%)
  • Behavior problems (5%)
Children:
  • Sleepiness (28%)
  • Behavior problems (28%)
  • Weakness (25%)
  • Headache (22%)
  • Drooling (14%)

Other Side Effects

  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Muscle tightness
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Vision changes
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Muscle pain
  • Rash

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Difficulty with speaking

dizziness or fainting

fast or irregular heartbeat

lack of facial expression

loss of balance control

mood or behavior changes

restlessness or need to keep moving

shuffling walk

slowed movements

stiffness of the arms and legs

swelling or soreness of the breasts (less common in males)

trembling and shaking of the fingers and hands

unusual secretion of milk (rare in males)

Less common or rare

Difficulty with swallowing

inability to move the eyes

increased blinking or spasms of the eyelid

lip smacking or puckering

menstrual changes

muscle spasms, especially of the face, neck, or back

puffing of the cheeks

rapid or worm-like movements of the tongue

skin rash and itching

sore throat and fever

swelling of the face

uncontrolled chewing movements

uncontrolled movements of the neck, trunk, arms, or legs, including twisting movements

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual facial expressions or body positions

yellow eyes or skin

Rare

Convulsions (seizures)

difficult or unusually fast breathing

fast heartbeat or irregular pulse

fever (high)

high or low (irregular) blood pressure

increased sweating

loss of bladder control

muscle stiffness (severe)

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

Coma

dizziness (severe)

muscle trembling, jerking, or stiffness (severe)

troubled breathing (severe)

uncontrolled movements (severe)

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Blurred vision or other vision problems

constipation

dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting when getting up from a lying or sitting position

drowsiness

dryness of the mouth

skin discoloration

Less common

Decreased sexual ability

diarrhea

headache

loss of appetite and weight

mental depression

nausea and vomiting

tiredness or weakness

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Pimozide

thumbs-up

Pros

One of the few medications that's FDA approved to treat Tourette syndrome

Can be used in children 12 years and older

Available as a lower-cost generic

thumbs-down

Cons

Generally not a first-choice treatment option

Not a good option for people with certain heart conditions

Interacts with a lot of medications

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Pimozide

pharmacist

  • You can take pimozide with or without food, but avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice. Taking them together can raise pimozide levels in your body and cause serious side effects.

    • Antipsychotic medications like pimozide can cause tardive dyskinesia, which is a condition involving uncontrollable muscle movements. Let your prescriber know if this starts to happen to you.

      • Don't drive, ride a bike, or operate machinery until you know how pimozide affects you. Side effects can include drowsiness, dizziness, vision changes, and problems moving your muscles.

        • Make sure your prescriber has a full list of medications and supplements that you take. Many things interact with pimozide and can lead to dangerously high levels of this medication.

          • Take pimozide exactly as prescribed. Taking higher doses of this medication can lead to serious heart problems that can be life-threatening. You'll likely need to undergo an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) before you start this medication and during treatment to make sure your heart is healthy.

            faqs

            Frequently asked questions about Pimozide

            Is pimozide still available?
            The brand name, Orap, is discontinued and no longer available. But, the generic version pimozide is still available with a prescription from your healthcare professional (HCP).
            Can pimozide reduce blood pressure?
            It's possible for pimozide to cause blood pressure changes. Make sure to tell your prescriber if you're taking blood-pressure lowering medications or have a history of low blood pressure, they might recommend that you check your blood pressure more regularly as you're taking pimozide.
            Can pimozide cause weight gain?
            While weight gain isn't a common side effect of pimozide, some people in clinical trials did experience weight changes. Some gained weight, while others lost weight. If this concerns you, have a discussion with your prescriber about ways to maintain a healthy weight while taking this medication.
            Are pimozide and Adderall the same?
            No. Pimozide is an antipsychotic and Adderall is a stimulant medication and they are used for different things. In fact, stimulant medications like Adderall aren't typically used for Tourette syndrome because they can worsen tics. Speak with your prescriber if you have questions about how both medications compare.
            Is pimozide typical or atypical?
            Pimozide is considered a typical antipsychotic, which means it has a stronger effect on dopamine levels compared to atypical antipsychotics. As a result, it may cause more movement-related side effects.
            How long does it take for pimozide to work?
            It's probably going to take a few weeks before you notice the effects of pimozide, but it might take several months for you to feel the full effect. Most studies looked at the effects of the medication after at least a month.
            Can I drink alcohol with pimozide?
            It's best to avoid alcohol while you're taking pimozide. Pimozide can worsen the effects of alcohol and make you feel very drowsy. Speak with your prescriber if you have more questions about this medication and alcohol.
            Can pimozide be used during pregnancy?
            Taking pimozide and other antipsychotic medications in the third trimester of pregnancy can be harmful to your unborn baby. Babies might be born with movement problems or withdrawal symptoms. If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss with your care teams about your treatment options for Tourette syndrome.
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            What are the risks and warnings for Pimozide?

            Pimozide can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

            risk-warning

            Movement problems

            • Risk factors: Taking pimozide long term | Taking high dose of antipsychotic medications

              Antipsychotic medications, such as pimozide, can cause a movement condition called tardive dyskinesia. With tardive dyskinesia, you can have a hard time controlling your movements. Common symptoms include lip smacking, eye blinking, sticking out your tongue, and grimacing. The risk of developing tardive dyskinesia, which could become permanent, is higher if you take antipsychotic medications for a long time or at high doses. Let your prescriber know if you notice any of these signs and symptoms. Sometimes, these movements will go away on their own once you stop the medication.

              risk-warning

              Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

              Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a rare, but life-threatening condition linked to antipsychotic medications. Symptoms include high fever, fast heart rate, full body stiffness, and confusion. Seek medical attention right away if you notice any of these symptoms. Your prescriber will likely find you another medication that will work better for you.

              risk-warning

              Higher risk of infection

              Pimozide can lower your white blood cell counts. White blood cells help your body fight infections. Your prescriber will monitor your blood cell levels with routine blood tests and might have you stop the medication if your levels are too low. Tell your prescriber if you have symptoms of an infection, such as fever or sore throat, that don't go away.

              risk-warning

              Heart rhythm changes

              • Risk factors: Taking high doses of pimozide | Taking other medications that change heart rhythm | Low potassium levels in the blood

                In clinical studies, changes in heart rhythm were seen on electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) scans in people taking pimozide for Tourette syndrome. Because of this risk, you'll need to get a scan done before you start pimozide and regularly while taking the medication so your HCP can make sure your heart rhythm is normal.

                dosage

                Pimozide dosage forms

                The average cost for 60 tablets of 2mg of Pimozide is $45.82 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 68.31% off the average retail price of $144.57.
                tablet
                Tablet
                DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                1mg60 tablets$39.06$0.65
                2mg60 tablets$45.82$0.76

                Typical dosing for Pimozide

                • Adults: The typical starting daily dose is 1 mg to 2 mg by mouth split into multiple doses throughout the day. The maximum dose per day is 10 mg.

                • Children (age 12 years and older): The dose will be based on your child's weight, and should be taken by mouth at bedtime. The maximum dose per day is 10 mg.

                interactions

                Interactions between Pimozide and other drugs

                Pimozide may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Pimozide. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                • Betel Nut
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                How much does Pimozide cost?

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                Orap (brand)
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                contraindications-icon

                Pimozide contraindications

                Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Pimozide will not be safe for you to take.
                alternatives

                What are alternatives to Pimozide?

                There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Pimozide. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                Pimozide
                Used for:
                $39.06 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                Haloperidol
                Used for:

                • Psychotic and behavioral disorders

                • Tourette syndrome in adults and children

                • Hyperactivity in children

                $8.10 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                Aripiprazole (Abilify)
                Used for:
                $9.90 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
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                Pimozide images

                White Oval Ep 321 - Pimozide 2mg Tablet
                This medicine is White, Oval, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "Ep 321".White Oval Ep 321 - Pimozide 2mg Tablet

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                References

                Best studies we found

                Drugs@FDA: FDA-Approved Drugs. (n.d.). Pimozide. U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

                Endo USA, Inc. (2017). Pimozide tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

                Mothi, M., et al. (2013). Pimozide for schizophrenia or related psychoses. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

                View All References (3)

                National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2024). Tourette syndrome.

                Pringsheim, T., et al. (2019). Practice guideline recommendations summary: Treatment of tics in people with Tourette syndrome and chronic tic disorders. Neurology.

                Seideman, M. F., et al. (2020). A review of the current treatment of Tourette syndrome. The Journal of Pediatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics.

                GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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