Orap (Pimozide)

Do’s

• Take Orap exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, typically once daily at bedtime, with or without food.
• Follow your healthcare provider's instructions carefully regarding dosage. They may start you low and gradually increase it to minimize side effects.
• Attend all scheduled medical appointments for monitoring and lab tests.
• Discuss with your healthcare provider if you're taking stimulant medications for tics, as they might worsen symptoms.
• Consult your healthcare provider before consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice while on Orap.
• Take Orap consistently, ideally at the same time each day.
• Talk to your healthcare provider before stopping Orap abruptly, as withdrawal can worsen your condition.

• Don't take Orap more often or in larger doses than prescribed. This won't improve your condition faster and might increase heart rhythm problems.
• Don't stop taking Orap without consulting your healthcare provider.
• Don't hesitate to tell your healthcare provider if your condition doesn't improve or worsens.

Common side effects:

• Akathisia
• Akinesia
• Sedated state
• Visual disturbance
• Blurred vision (temporary)
• Burning or stinging sensation in the eyes
• Temporary bitter taste in the mouth
• Headache
• Eye discomfort such as itching or redness
• Temporary discomfort upon application, such as stinging or burning for a minute or two

Serious side effects:

• Fever
• Muscle stiffness/pain/tenderness/weakness
• Severe tiredness
• Severe confusion 
• Sweating
• Fast/irregular heartbeat
• Dark urine
• Signs of kidney problems
• Uncontrollable movements of the face, tongue, and other parts of the body
• Allergic reactions, including rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Orap,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Inform your healthcare provider if you have any allergies before taking Orap.

Tell your healthcare provider about any pre-existing conditions, especially:

• Blood problems (low white blood cell count)
• Glaucoma
• Dementia
• Depression
• Heart problems (irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure)
• Digestive problems (constipation, blockage)
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Brain disorders/tumors/injuries
• Substance abuse
• Breast cancer
• Parkinson's disease
• Seizure disorder
• Difficulty urinating

Orap may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or vision changes. Avoid driving or activities requiring alertness until you know how it affects you. Limit alcohol and marijuana use which can worsen these effects.

Orap may affect heart rhythm. Tell your healthcare provider about any heart conditions or medications that can affect heart rhythm, and also about low potassium or magnesium levels in your blood.

Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you take, including Orap, before surgery or imaging procedures requiring contrast dye.

Children and older adults may be more sensitive to side effects of Orap, especially movement problems, drowsiness, dizziness, and lightheadedness.

Orap should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider. It is unknown if Orap passes into breast milk, so consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.