Zotepine
Description
Zotepine is an antipsychotic used for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults. Schizophrenia is a brain disorder characterized by delusions, hallucinations, and reduced speaking. This medicine is not recommended for use in children and adolescents below 18 years of age.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Zotepine
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Drowsiness
- Low blood pressure
- Weight gain
- Excessive sweating
- Excessive salivation
- Nausea or Vomiting
Uses of Zotepine
What is it prescribed for?
- Schizophrenia
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time required for this medicine to show its action is not clinically established.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which this medicine remains active in the body is not clinically established.
- Safe with alcohol?Consumption of alcohol is not recommended during treatment with this medicine due to the increased risk of severe side effects. It is advised that you do not perform any activities that require high mental alertness such as driving a vehicle or operating machinery if you consume alcohol during treatment with this medicine.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to Zotepine or any other inactive ingredients present along with it.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
General warnings
Driving or operating machinery
Use of this medicine may cause dizziness, weakness, drowsiness, etc. in some patients. It is advised that you do not perform any activities such as driving a vehicle or operating machinery if you experience any of these symptoms during treatment with this medicine.
QT Prolongation
This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients with a known history of prolonged QT intervals due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Report any unusual symptoms to the doctor immediately. Close monitoring of clinical condition, appropriate dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Use in children
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients less than 18 years of age since the safety and efficacy of use are not clinically established.
Use in elderly population
This medicine should be used with extreme caution in the elderly population due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Liver impairment
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with an impaired liver function due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. Close monitoring of liver function, appropriate dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Kidney impairment
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with an impaired kidney function due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. Close monitoring of kidney function, appropriate dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Tardive dyskinesia
This medicine may cause tardive dyskinesia in some patients. This may result in symptoms such as involuntary movements of the tongue, lips, and face. Patients should be monitored closely for any such symptoms. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Orthostatic hypotension
This medicine is likely to cause position based decrease in blood pressure especially during the start of therapy. It should be given very carefully to patients who have active disease of the heart and valves. Any condition leading to a decrease in blood pressure should be given consideration while deciding the dose.
Weight gain
This medicine is likely to cause a gain in weight and hence periodic monitoring is required especially in patients who are obese.
Pheochromocytoma
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland) due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the clinical condition.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed one.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
N/A
Instructions
Consumption of alcohol is not recommended during treatment with this medicine due to the increased risk of severe side effects. It is advised that you do not perform any activities that require high mental alertness such as driving a vehicle or operating machinery if you consume alcohol during treatment with this medicine.
Interaction with Medicine
Cetirizine
Amiodarone
Diazepam
Disease interactions
Dementia
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with dementia-related psychosis due to the increased risk of heart failure, pneumonia, death, etc. This risk is especially high in elderly patients. Replacement with a suitable alternative should be considered under your doctor's supervision.
Liver impairment
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with an impaired liver function due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. Close monitoring of liver function, appropriate dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Kidney impairment
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with an impaired kidney function due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. Close monitoring of kidney function, appropriate dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Seizures
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with seizure disorders or central nervous system abnormalities due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Tardive Dyskinesia
This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients with tardive dyskinesia, a condition of involuntary repetitive body movements, since it may worsen the patient's condition. Report any unusual symptoms to the doctor immediately. Appropriate patient/caregiver education, close monitoring of the patient's condition, dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take this medicine exactly advised by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts than advised/prescribed. Consult the doctor if you experience any undesirable effects. Do not stop taking this medicine before completion of the course/without consulting your doctor.
Miscelleneous
How it works
It works by binding to certain receptors and inhibits release of the chemical substances that cause psychotic symptoms.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Atypical antipsychotics
Schedule
Schedule H
[Internet]. 2018 [cited 10 December 2018]. Available from:
Zotepine - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2018 [cited 10 December 2018]. Available from:
Zotepine [Internet]. Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2018 [cited 10 December 2018]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 28 Mar 2019
Disclaimer
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