There are several options for printing:

• Click "Print this page" on the left to print the whole section
• Download a handy PILL (Patient Information Leaflet), a two-page summary of the main questions and answers from here. This can then be printed.
• Download a handy QuILL (Quick Information Leaflet), a shorter, pictorial version of the PILL, designed for younger people. This can then be printed.

There are many other Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) across the world for patients and carers. There are also official information leaflets (often called a Data Sheet, Package Insert, or Summary of Product Characteristics). They are not on our site, so we can't take any responsibility for them but you can click here for links to other sites and leaflets

^{Updated 12.11}

• Hide this answer

These drugs are usually used to help treat illnesses or conditions such as:

• Psychiatric emergency

• Psychosis

• Schizophrenia

• Mania

They can also be used to help manage

• ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

• Anxiety (GAD or Generalised Anxiety Disorder)

• Bipolar mood disorder

• Dementia

• Depression

• Insomnia, if taken at night

• OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)

They are often known as 'neuroleptics', 'antipsychotics' or (wrongly) as 'major tranquillisers'. They may also be used in smaller doses to help treat tension and agitation. Some of them are used to treat dizziness, nausea and vomiting.

^10.10

• Hide this answer

The usual dose of trifluoperazine for adults and children over 12 with psychosis, severe anxiety or agitation is usually 1-5mg up to twice a day. This can then be increased if needed. The top dose is about 20mg a day

Elderly people tend to get more side effects (especially sleepiness and low blood pressure) and so the usual dose should be much lower e.g. 1mg a day to start with.

It is usually not recommended in young children but this is more because it has not been studied rather than because of any concerns about safety.

^{Updated 10.11}

• Hide this answer

This will rather depend on what you are taking it for. To help you choose, click on the links for the main options (self-help and help from others), the main medicines, and a handy chart comparing the main medicines:

• Psychiatric emergency - main options, main medicines and handy chart
• Anxiety - main options, main medicines and handy chart
• Bipolar mania - main options, main medicines and handy chart
• Dementia - main options, main medicines and handy chart
• Depression - main options, main medicines and handy chart
• Insomnia - main options, main medicines and handy chart
• Psychosis - main options, main medicines and handy chart
• Schizophrenia - main options, main medicines and handy chart

There are other treatments for the conditions above. The main ones are included in the section on each of the conditions above.

^{Updated 1.12}

• Hide this answer

There is a naturally occurring chemical ("neurotransmitter") in the brain called dopamine. Dopamine is the chemical messenger in the brain mainly involved with thinking, emotions, behaviour and perception. In some illnesses, this dopamine may be overactive and upsets the normal balance of chemicals in the brain. This excess dopamine helps to produce some of the symptoms of the illness. The main effect that these drugs have is to block some dopamine receptors in the brain, reducing the effect of having too much dopamine and correcting the imbalance. This reduces the symptoms caused by having too much dopamine.

^2.11

• Hide this answer

Take your medication as directed on the medicine label. Try to take it at regular times each day. Taking it at mealtimes may make it easier for you to remember as there is no problem about taking any of these drugs with or after food. If the instructions say to take them ONCE a day this is usually best at bedtime as they may make you drowsy at first. They are not sleeping tablets as such.

^{Updated 1.12}

• Hide this answer

Tablets and capsules:
Tablets and capsules should be swallowed with at least half a glass of water whilst sitting or standing. This is to make sure that they reach the stomach and do not stick in your throat.

Liquids:
Your pharmacist should give you a medicine spoon, dropper or oral syringe. Use it carefully to make sure you measure the correct amount. Ask your pharmacist for a medicine spoon if you do not have one. Shake the bottle well before use as the drug can settle to the bottom and cause you to receive a lower dose at the start and too high a dose at the end of the bottle.
"Stelazine" syrup (trifluoperazine) may be diluted in a drink of water or orange juice if necessary.

Suppositories
Chlorpromazine ("Largactil") is available as suppositories. Suppositories are specially shaped to be inserted into the anus (the rectum or "back passage"). After removing a suppository from its wrapping you should insert it as deeply as possible into your anus. You may find it easier to insert if you put one foot on a chair or lie on your side with one leg drawn up as high as possible under the chin. Do not swallow them. If you have any problems using your suppositories ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice.

Injections
It is sometimes necessary or helpful for these drugs to be given as 'depot' injections. A 'depot' injection is a long acting injection usually given into a buttock. The injection releases drug over several weeks and so you will not have to remember to take tablets at regular times each day. Depot injections are otherwise no more or less effective than tablets or capsules. If you are in hospital it will be given to you by a nurse. Outside hospital it may be given to you by a Community Psychiatric Nurse, as a day patient or by your G.P. or community nurse. You may need to have this injection every few weeks for some time. To start with you will be given a 'test dose' to make sure the drug suits you. Then, if there are no problems, 5 to 10 days later you will be given your first full dose injection which will then be repeated every one to four weeks. They are usually given into the buttock although some may be able to be given into the thigh.

^{Updated 1.12}

• Hide this answer

This may depend on what you are taking it for. Click the link below for the answer for that condition:

• ADHD
• Anxiety (GAD or Generalised Anxiety Disorder)
• Bipolar mania or hypomania
• Bipolar mood disorder
• Dementia
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Psychiatric emergency
• Psychosis
• Schizophrenia

Some of the effects start soon after starting e.g. drowsiness. The most important action, however, to help the symptoms of your illness may take weeks or even months of regular medication to become fully effective. In the same way if your dose or treatment is changed it may take an equally long period of time before you notice the effects of such a change.

^{Updated 1.12}

• Hide this answer

This will depend on what you are taking it for. It may also depend on how unwell you have been or how severe the symptoms have been, as people respond differently. Click on the link below for the answer for that condition:

• ADHD
• Anxiety (GAD or Generalised Anxiety Disorder)
• Bipolar mania or hypomania
• Bipolar mood disorder
• Dementia
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Psychiatric emergency
• Psychosis
• Schizophrenia

^{Updated 1.12}

• Hide this answer

Antipsychotics are not addictive as such but if you have taken them for a long time you may get some effects if you stop them suddenly. So-called "cholinergic rebound" can occur with the phenothiazines (such as chlorpromazine, trifluoperazine, pericyazine) if stopped suddenly e.g. feeling sick, tiredness, sweating, anxiety and insomnia. It usually mild and only last a few days. Sometimes muscle stiffness and restlessness can occur. It is best to stop any antipsychotic slowly to let your brain get used to the change. The other main problem could be your symptoms coming back.

For a drug to be addictive or produce dependence, then it must have a number of characteristics:

• should produce craving for the drug when the last dose "wears off"

• there should be a "reward" (e.g. a good feeling) from taking the drug

• should produce tolerance ie you need more drug to get the same effect

• should produce withdrawal symptoms specific to that drug.

These characteristics come from the World Health Organisation. Antipsychotics may have some withdrawal or discontinuation effects but none of the others and so are not addictive. These discontinuation effects are probably more of an "adjustment" reaction from sudden removal of a drug rather than "withdrawal".

Click here to read a bit more about this, where you can find our thoughts on this knotty problem.

^9.10

• Hide this answer

Start again as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose then take the next dose as normal. Do not try to catch up by taking two or more doses at once as you may get more side-effects. You should tell your doctor about this next time you meet. Missing the occasional dose (e.g. once a week) is probably not a big problem.

If you have problems remembering your doses (as very many people do) ask you pharmacist, doctor or nurse about this. There are some special packs, boxes and devices which can be used to help you remember. You can try leaving the pack somewhere you will see it each morning e.g. in the bathroom, kitchen, by the bed, in a car etc.

^{Updated 1.12}

• Hide this answer

It is unwise to stop taking them suddenly, even if you feel better. Your symptoms can return if treatment is stopped too early. This may occur some weeks or even many months after the drug has been stopped and you may feel well before this happens. You could also experience some mild withdrawal symptoms (as explained above). When the time comes your doctor will usually withdraw the drug by a gradual reduction in the dose taken over a period of several weeks. You should discuss this fully with your doctor.

^{Updated 1.12}

• Hide this answer

The table below will show you some of the main side effects you might get from this antipsychotic.

Do not be worried by this list of side effects. Some people get no side effects at all and others may get some effects that are not listed in this table. Side effects tend to be worse with higher doses. Starting with a lower dose sometimes helps. If you think you might have a side effect to your medicine, you should discuss this with your doctor, nurse of pharmacist. You should also see the manufacturer's information leaflet.

^{Updated 1.12}

• Hide this answer

Antipsychotics may make you feel drowsy or sleepy. You should not drive (see below) or operate machinery until you know how they affect you. You should be careful as they may affect your reaction times or reflexes. They are not, however, sleeping tablets, although if you take them at night they may help you get to sleep.

^{Updated 1.12}

• Hide this answer

Weight gain with these antipsychotics is quite possible. Of the people who gain weight, most is gained during the first 6 to 12 months of treatment. It then tends to level out. It is thought that these medicines cause an increase in appetite which causes you to eat more and therefore put on weight. It is not possible to say what the effect on your own weight may be because each person will be different. All the phenothiazines seem to have the same sort of effect, but some other the other similar medicines seem to have less effect. If you do start to put on weight or have problems with your weight, you should tell your doctor. He or she may be able to adjust your drug or the dose of your drug to reduce this effect. Your doctor can also arrange for you to see a dietician for advice. If you do gain weight it is possible to lose it while you are still taking this medication, with expert advice about diet. In some people this can be a serious problem. If it causes you distress make sure your doctor knows about this. There is not thought that the other drugs cause major changes in weight.

Weight gain can be part of the so-called ”metabolic syndrome”. You might want to read a bit more about this.

Click here for a few tips on how to help you feel less hungry and lose weight.

^{Updated 1.12}

• Hide this answer

Drugs can affect desire (libido), arousal (erection) and orgasmic ability. Phenothiazines have been reported to have an adverse effect on all these three stages, partly through causing drowsiness and partly by other means. Generally, the other medicines in this section have lesser effects eg. the butyrophenones and thioxanthenes. If this happens, you should discuss this with your doctor, as a change in dose or medicine may help minimise the problem. He or she might also do a blood test so see if your prolactin level is too high as high prolactin can have a negative effect on desire.

^{Updated 1.12}

• Hide this answer

You should have no problem with any foods or drinks, other than alcohol (see separate question).

^{Updated 1.12}

• Hide this answer

Whether or not it is safe to drink alcohol with any medicine will depend on:

• How much you have to drink e.g. the amount and over how long
• What you then try to do (e.g. sleep or drive)
• If you have any other conditions e.g. asthma or a chest infection (as alcohol can make it harder to breathe), epilepsy
• If you are taking any other medicines

Alcohol reaches all parts of the brain and can affect many things e.g. thinking, reactions and breathing. Alcohol can also boost the effect of GABA (the brain's main calming chemical messenger).

If you drink alcohol while taking an antipsychotic it may make you feel more sleepy. If this happens, you must take extra care if you need to drive or operate machinery. You must seek advice on this.  

It is not safe to drive after drinking alcohol, with or without taking an antipsychotic. Some countries allow driving after a small amount of alcohol but others have a zero tolerance. The UK has the highest limit in Europe, France lower, Scandanavia even lower and zero in some Eastern European countries. It is not possible to say what blood level you might have from a drink so it is safest not to drink if you know you may have to drive. It is taken as a very serious offence in most countries. You should see National Guidelines, laws and regulations in the country in which you are driving.

^{Updated 1.12}

• Hide this answer

Antipsychotics have many side effects. If antipsychotics are taken with other medicines with the same side effects, then a combined effect can occur.

Antipsychotics (especially the phenothiazines such as pericyazine or chlorpromazine) have anticholinergic effects so be careful if taken with tricyclics (e.g. dosulepin, imipramine, lofepramine), or anticholinergics (e.g. procyclidine) as this may cause dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation and difficulty passing urine. Antipsychotics can also effect the heart (so be careful with amiodarone, disopyramide, clarithromycin), and can be quite sedative, so be careful with sleeping tablets, tricyclics (e.g. dosulepin/dothiepin, imipramine, lofepramine), older antihistamines (e.g. promethazine), benzodiazepines (e.g. diazepam, lorazepam, temazepam), phenobarbital, melatonin or alcohol.

Antipsychotics have a few other drug interactions:

• The effects of antipsychotics can sometimes be increased by beta-blockers, fluoxetine, itraconazole or venlafaxine
• The effect of antipsychotics can be decreased by antacids (sometimes), carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, rifampicin or smoking
• Antipsychotics can increase the effect of some tricyclics (e.g. dosulepin, imipramine, lofepramine)

This does not necessarily mean that this will happen in everyone or that some of these medicines can not be used together. It is just that you may need to follow your doctor's instructions very carefully. There are other possible drug interactions (e.g. you can try an external on-line drug interactions checker, although this is nothing to do with our site).

^{Updated 1.12}

• Hide this answer

Cigarette smoke contains over 3000 different chemicals. Some of these chemicals can make some of the enzymes in the liver work faster (called "enzyme induction" of e.g. CYP1A2 or P4501A2). This means that any medicine those enzymes break down will be broken down quicker. So, you'll end up with less of that medicine if you smoke. And also you will have more of it in the body if you stop smoking.

The phenothiazines are such medicines. The amount of a phenothiazine in the body can drop if you smoke, giving less effect or meaning you might need a higher dose to get the same effect. It also means that if you stop smoking, the levels will rise so you might get more side effects.

^3.11

• Hide this answer

By including this section, we're not saying it's right to take illicit or illegal drugs, because it isn't. We're just trying to answer the questions as best we can under the circumstances. With illicit drugs, the full answer is usually that we don't really know. So, we can only go on a few studies, a few reports and what we know about the drugs themselves.

Cannabis (illegal in most countries):

Smoking cannabis increases the amount of dopamine in the pleasure centres of the brain, which is where the reward or buzz comes from. However, psychosis also comes from having too much dopamine in another area of the brain. You have to remember that cannabis can increase dopamine in all areas of the brain and so can make psychosis worse. Please be careful, everything in moderation and if dope makes you worse, keep off the grass. It really won't help you in the long-term. Don't forget that if you're a toker, you're also a smoker, so see the question above. However, the phenothiazines does not seem to be affected so there seem to be no extra problems if smoking cannabis with a phenothiazine. But, it might make you feel a bit more drowsy and may have more dry mouth, blurred vision and finding it hard to pass water (wee). Also, don't forget that cannabis can make psychotic symptoms worse.

Cocaine (illegal in most countries)

Cocaine is of course highly addictive and has many adverse or side effects on the body and brain. It can make most mental health symptoms worse in the long-term. However, there are no reports of extra problems with a phenothiazine and cocaine, although this doesn't mean it's safe. All antipsychotics can reduce the stimulant effects of cocaine.

Ecstasy (illegal in most countries)

Ecstasy has many effects on the brain, the main ones producing the high seem to be by boosting serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine in the brain. While it can cause a high, the effect wears off fairly quickly. It seems that the toxic effects on the brain are cumulative i.e. the more tablets you have over your lifetime, the more chance you have of having damage to the brain e.g. long-term depression and poor memory. However, there are no reports of extra problems with a phenothiazine and ecstasy, but again this doesn't mean it's safe.

Opiates

The opiates include many chemicals, some of which are used in medical care (e.g. codeine for diarrhoea and stopping coughs, diamorphine and morphine for pain). However, there are no extra problems reported from taking opiates (e.g. heroin, methadone, codeine) with a phenothiazine, although you might feel more drowsy.

^{Updated 1.12}

• Hide this answer

It is not thought that "The Pill" is affected by any antipsychotic.

^{Updated 1.12}

^{Reviewed 9.11}

• Hide this answer

Several female functions such as menstrual cycle (e.g. your periods) are controlled by a hormone called prolactin. Prolactin in the body rises during and after pregnancy and this triggers the body to make breast milk. The amount of prolactin in the body is kept in control by one part of the brain (the tuberoinfundibular system if you want to know). This area of the brain uses dopamine as its chemical messenger. Some medicines (especially antipsychotics) block the effect of dopamine in the brain. This is just what we want to help reduce some of the symptoms caused by too much dopamine e.g. psychosis, paranoia. However, if these medicines also block dopamine in the area of the brain that keeps prolactin under control, prolactin can get out of control and increase. Higher than usual levels of prolactin in the brain and blood will stop your periods (or at least make them irregular or unpredictable). Much higher levels can lead to your breasts leaking milk or lactating (the medical term is galactorrhoea). The name of the hormone (prolactin) might help you guess this anyway i.e. pro- (meaning for) -lactin (as in lactation).  High prolactin can make it more difficult to become pregnant, and over many years can have an effect on your sex-life, and maybe even your bones.

The phenothiazines can increase prolactin. It can happen within a few weeks and can carry on for the whole time you are on a phenothiazine. So, if your periods are irregular or late, or you start leaking milk, then you should see your doctor about this to see if your prolactin is high and to find if there are any other causes. This should be easy to work out if you had a prolactin test before you started on a phenothiazine. If it is caused by your phenothiazine then you should talk to your doctor about the options e.g. reduce the dose (which doesn't often help much), or switch medicines to one that has less effect on prolactin. Sometimes adding another medication can help if nothing else works.

^{Updated 11.11}

• Hide this answer

In the UK, Levonelle one step® is available and is usually known as 'the morning after pill'. It is taken to reduce the chances of becoming pregnant after unprotected sex or failure of a contraceptive method. In fact "Emergency Contraception" is the better term because it can be taken up to 72 hours (3 days) afterwards. It can be bought over-the-counter without a prescription from pharmacies. EllaOne® tablets (which may work up to 5 days afterwards) and a coil (Intra-uterine device) can also be used but must be prescribed by a Doctor.

If you are taking a phenothiazine, the usual dose should work if you follow the instructions carefully.

N.B. We accept that for religious, cultural or ethical reasons some people do not approve of, or agree with, the use of the "Morning After" pill. However, we have answered the question because it is one of the most often asked of NHS Direct in UK, and they suggested we include it.

^6.11

• Hide this answer

It is important to consider that there will be a risk to you and your child from taking a medicine during pregnancy but also a possible risk from stopping the medicine e.g. getting ill again. Unfortunately, no decision is risk-free. It will be for you to decide which is the least risk. All we can do here is to help you understand some of the issues, so you can make an informed decision. For your information, major malformations occur "spontaneously" in about 2-4% of all pregnancies, even if no drugs are taken. The main problem with medicines is termed "teratogenicity" i.e. a medicine causing a malformation in the unborn child. A medicine causing teratogenicity is called a "teratogen". Since a baby has completed it's main development between days 17 and 60 of the pregnancy (the so-called "first trimester") these first 2-16 weeks are the main concern. After that, there may be other problems e.g. some medicines may cause slower growth. The infant may also be affected after birth e.g. withdrawal effects are possible with some drugs.

If possible, the best option is to plan in advance. If you think you could become pregnant, discuss this with your doctor and it may be possible to switch to medicines thought to carry least risk, and take other risk-reducing steps e.g. adjusting doses, taking vitamin supplements etc. If you have just discovered you are pregnant, don't panic, but seek advice from your GP within the next few days if possible. He or she may also want to refer you on to someone with more specialist knowledge of your medicine.

Very few medicines have been shown to be completely safe in pregnancy and so no manufacturer or advisor can ever say any medicine is safe. They will usually advise not to take a medicine during pregnancy, unless the benefit is much greater than the risk. In the UK, there is the NTIS (National Teratology Information Service) who offer individual risk assessments. However, their advice should always be used to help you and your doctor decide what is the risk to you and your baby. There is a risk from taking the medicine and a risk should you stop a medicine e.g. you might become ill again and need to go back on the medication again. The advice offered here is just that i.e. advice, but may give you some idea about the possible risks and what (at the time of writing) is known through the medical press.

It may be helpful to know that in the USA, the FDA (Federal Drug Administration) classifies medicines in pregnancy in five groups:
A = Studies show no risk, so harm to the unborn child appears only a remote possibility
B = Animal and human studies indicate a lack of risk but are not fully conclusive
C = Animal studies indicate a risk but there is no safety data in humans
D = a definite risk exists but the benefit may outweigh the risk in some people
X = the risk outweighs any possible benefit

The phenothiazines available in the USA are all classified as "C". There has been some research on the use of phenothiazines in pregnancy, but mostly only with low doses. This research showed a risk of problems that was about twice that of women not taking such drugs (one in 30 with problems, one in 60 without). Occasional problems of sleepiness and drowsiness in the newborn have been reported. At 2 and 7 years old, the children's development was normal one study of women who took phenothiazines during pregnancy. You should, however, still seek personal advice from your GP, who may then if necessary seek further specialist advice.

Haloperidol is classified as "C". There is no proven evidence of a teratogenic effect, and animal tests show a low risk of danger but some problems have been reported and so you should seek personal advice from your GP, who may then if necessary seek further specialist advice.

Flupenthixol and zuclopenthixol are not classified, as they are not available in the USA. There is no evidence of a teratogenic effect, animal tests show a low risk of danger but some problems have been reported and so you should seek personal advice from your GP, who may then if necessary seek further specialist advice.

^{Updated 1.12}

• Hide this answer

Almost every medicine passes into breast-milk. The main questions are how much and if this is likely to have an effect on your baby. But also remember that being ill (e.g. depressed, manic, psychotic) may have more harmful and lasting effects on you and your child (such as bonding and behaviour e.g. Field, 2010) than a small amount of an effective medicine. If you have been taking a medicine while you are pregnant, you should usually be able to carry on as the amount in breast-milk is much less than the baby would have got while you were pregnant. It is usually thought to be fairly safe if the baby gets less than 10% of the mum's dose. But there may be times when although a medicine gets into breast milk the benefit may be worth the risk, so you should seek personal advice on this.

If you stop any medicine suddenly, some people can get discontinuation or withdrawal symptoms (see question above). If you have been taking a medicine during pregnancy, the same can sometimes happen to the baby when born. If the drug gets into breast milk, this can reduce the effect of suddenly not having the medicine (as well as coping with being in the big wide world too).

If you want to breast-feed there are some things you can do to reduce any risk:

• Nearly all medicines can be taken once a day. So, taking your daily dose just before the baby's longest sleep (often this will be at night) will reduce the amount the baby gets from the milk.

• Any side effects in the baby will be higher if the mum is taking a higher dose. So, try to take the lowest dose possible to still get an effect.

• Try not to take any medicines you don't really need. This includes any medicines you might buy over-the-counter

• Make sure your nurse, health visitor or doctor checks your baby for any side effects e.g. being extra sleepy, having colic, feeding problems, being floppy or poor weight gain. If there are any problems you might need to switch medicines or drop your dose a bit

• Hind milk (the second half of the feed) is likely to contain slightly more of any medicine than the first half

• Avoid new medicines if possible as there is less information about them and breast-feeding.

You must be extra careful of any medicines if your baby was pre-mature, or has kidney, liver, heart or brain problems.

We know that the phenothiazines get into breast milk, probably enough to make the baby drowsy. There are many reports of mums breast-feeding with no problems while taking phenothiazines. However, there is one report where the baby got very drowsy while the mum was taking perphenazine. You should discuss this with your doctor, nurse or health visitor because you being ill might be more harmful to your baby than a small amount of a phenothiazine. They will be able to make regular checks on your baby to make sure there are no problems.

^6.11

• Hide this answer

These drugs can affect your driving in two ways. Firstly, you may feel drowsy and/or suffer from blurred vision at first when taking any of these drugs. Secondly, the drugs can slow down your reactions or reflexes. This is especially true if you also have a dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation etc. (the so-called "anticholinergic side effects"). Until these wear off, or you know how your drug affects you, do not drive or operate machinery. You should be careful as they may affect your reaction times or reflexes even though you feel well.

If you are taking any medicines, the rules about driving will depend on the country you’re driving in. Click on the links below for advice:

• Medicines and driving in the UK (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales)

• Medicines and driving in the Republic of Ireland

General advice on driving safely

If you want to drive, you should take sensible steps to reduce any risk. These could include:

• Avoid driving when you are tired or ill
• Do not drive after having any alcohol as this can make any drowsiness worse (a third of all fatal road traffic incidents involve alcohol-dependent drivers)
• Avoid driving at night, dusk or in bad weather
• Avoid motorways, dual carriageways and the rush hour
• Give yourself plenty of time. Don’t rush
• Be extra careful if you have not slept well the previous night

As some medicines can affect your driving, be extra careful:

• If starting a new medicine
• After a change in dose (especially an increase)
• If you are on a high dose or seem very sensitive to side effects
• If you are taking any medicines for other symptoms e.g. antihistamines for hay fever or allergies
• If your medicine causes you blurred vision, drowsiness, poor co-ordination, poor attention

If you are driving less than 2000 miles a year, once you consider insurance, tax, MoT, repairs, maintenance, parking and petrol, you may actually find it is cheaper to get taxis and busses, and walk the short journeys.

^{Updated 11.11}

• Hide this answer

You might sometimes, to check on some possible side effects e.g. prolactin levels, blood sugar etc. Some people who need to take higher doses occasionally need a blood test. You might also need your blood pressure tested.

^{Updated 1.12}

• Hide this answer