Clinical information
Common uses
- severe motor and phonic tics in Tourette's disorder, after standard treatment fails
Common side effects
- dizziness
- tremor
- blurred vision
- increased salivation
- weight changes
Cautions
- can prolong the heart's QT interval — ECGs needed; sudden deaths reported
- risk of tardive dyskinesia (potentially irreversible movement disorder)
- neuroleptic malignant syndrome (fever, rigidity) is a medical emergency
- not for simple tics or with heart rhythm problems
Interactions
- clarithromycin, erythromycin and other macrolides (contraindicated)
- azole antifungals such as ketoconazole (contraindicated)
- HIV protease inhibitors such as ritonavir (contraindicated)
- citalopram, escitalopram, sertraline, paroxetine (contraindicated)
- other QT-prolonging drugs (do not combine)
- alcohol and sedatives (added drowsiness)
Pregnancy: only if benefit clearly outweighs risk
Reference information, not medical advice — always follow your doctor or pharmacist. Source: DailyMed, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov, pimozide label, setid 4e954fc2-fdff-486c-beb6-2b8ace717081 (accessed 2026-08-16)