Serentil (mesoridazine) is a typical antipsychotic medication that belongs to a group of drugs called phenothiazines. This medication was developed to help control the symptoms of schizophrenia, but it will not cure the condition. Serentil may also be used to treat hyperactivity, restlessness, anxiety, and tension. Serentil works by blocking dopaminergic transmissions in the brain. 

As of 2012, Serentil is no longer available in the United States. If you live in the U.S. and are still taking this medication, you should speak with your healthcare provider about finding a suitable rep

Dosage

Considerations Before Use

This medication is no longer available by prescription in the U.S. Serentil may cause life-threatening, erratic heartbeats. This drug is not approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating elderly people who experience dementia, as it may increase the risk of death.

If you have been diagnosed with asthma, seizures, an overactive thyroid, irregular heartbeat, heart pain, glaucoma, asthma, emphysema, high or low blood pressure, bone marrow disease, Parkinson’s disease, kidney disease, urinary problems, liver disease, or lung problems, you should talk to your doctor before you begin to take this drug. Tell your doctor if you have ever been treated for alcoholism, depression, or if you have ever had shock therapy.

Serentil may interact with other medications, including antacids, antihistamines, sleep aids, pain relievers, weight loss aids, antidepressants, and heart medication. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking Serentil if you are currently taking other prescription drugs or supplements.

Safety Information

If you begin taking this medication, here are some important considerations for its use:

Possible Side Effects

If you experience serious or severe side effects from Serentil, you should call your doctor. This drug may cause serious heartbeat irregularities. Contact your doctor right away if you have an unusually fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat. Other serious side effects may include:

Less serious side effects may include:

Withdrawal

It is important to slowly taper off of this medication in order to avoid serious adverse reactions. Though it is not addictive, your body may have become accustomed to having this drug in its system. Possible symptoms of withdrawal include:

References:

  1. Drugs.com. (2004). Serentil. Retrieved from http://www.drugs.com/mtm/serentil.html
  2. Medline Plus. (2009). Mesoridazine oral. Retrieved from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a682306.html

Page content reviewed by James Pendleton, ND.