Zotepine is used to treat schizophrenia, psychosis and other similar conditions. It helps to relieve symptoms common in schizophrenia, such as distorted thinking and emotional instability.
Take Zotepine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may need to take Zotepine for some time before the full benefits can be felt.
Do not stop taking Zotepine unless your doctor has decided that you can stop. If Zotepine is stopped suddenly, you may feel unwell or your condition may worsen. When your doctor decides that you do not need Zotepine anymore, he will usually reduce your dose slowly. Follow the doctor's instructions carefully.
You may take Zotepine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time every day.
Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not cut, chew or crush the tablet.
Always keep your appointments with your doctor so that he will be able to monitor your response to Zotepine.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
Remember to take your medicine regularly. Zotepine must be taken exactly as directed for it to be effective. If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor or pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- epilepsy (fits) or a family history of epilepsy
- acute gout (disease with swollen and painful joints)
- kidney stones
as Zotepine may not be suitable for you.
Alert your doctor if you have any of these conditions:
- heart disease
- liver problems
- severe high blood pressure
- history of gout
- hyperuricaemia (high uric acid levels in the blood)
- enlarged prostate
- urinary retention (difficulty in passing urine)
- glaucoma (high pressure in the eye)
- paralytic ileus (a condition where the small bowel does not work properly)
- phaeochromocytoma (a rare tumour of the adrenal gland, which sits near the kidney)
- neuroblastoma (a cancer that forms from the nerve tissue)
- diabetes
- blood dyscrasia ( a disease of the blood with a reduced number of red or white blood cells or platelets)
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Zotepine may cause drowsiness, dizziness and blurred vision. Do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or see clearly. You may experience dizziness when getting up from a sitting or lying down position, especially if you are taking Zotepine for the first time. This is common and should disappear gradually as you get used to the medicine.
Side effects while being treated with Zotepine may include:
- difficulty sleeping
- feeling depressed
- headache
- changes in sexual drive
- weight gain
- runny or blocked nose
- dry mouth
- constipation
- difficulty in passing urine
- excessive sweating
- unusual weakness or tiredness
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Other side effects are less common but may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor immediately if you develop any of these symptoms:
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- difficulty breathing or wheezing
- uncontrolled muscle movements of your body, face or tongue, such as lip smacking or worm-like movements of the tongue
- muscle stiffness or spasm with excessive sweating
- uncontrollable urge to move constantly or an inability to sit still
- excessive drowsiness, dizziness or if you faint
- breast swelling, pain or secretion
- unexplained fever
- confusion or disorientation
- rapid rise in your body temperature or an inability to cool down on a hot day
- swelling, redness or pain of the lower leg
- fits or convulsions
- severe tiredness or weakness
- yellowing of the eyes or skin
- fever with persistent sore throat or mouth ulcers, or other signs of infection
Zotepine may make you sensitive to sunlight. Avoid skin exposure to sunlight and use sunscreen when out in the sun.
Alert your doctor if you experience any other side effects while being treated with Zotepine.
Alert your doctor quickly if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other mood or psychiatric medicines
- sleeping pills such as diazepam
- high blood pressure medicines such as methyldopa, clonidine
- medicines used to treat depression such as fluoxetine, paroxetine
- medicines which affect heart rhythm such as quinidine, sotalol, procainamide
- medicines which lower potassium levels such as kayexalate
- weight loss medicines such as sibutramine
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Zotepine.
Always notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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