palica (PALIPERIDONE)

What is Palica?
Palica is an antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. It works by balancing certain chemicals in the brain, which helps reduce symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. Palica is often used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, which may include therapy and other medications, to help manage these mental health conditions effectively.

What is the usual dose of Palica?
The usual starting dose of Palica for adults is 6 mg once daily, taken in the morning. Your doctor may adjust the dose based on your response and needs. The maximum recommended dose is 12 mg per day. For elderly patients or those with kidney issues, dose adjustments may be necessary. Always follow your doctor's specific dosing instructions for your health needs.

How do I take Palica?
Take Palica as prescribed by your doctor, usually once daily in the morning. Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not crush or chew it. You can take it with or without food. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it's close to your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Do not double up on doses. Avoid alcohol while taking Palica, as it can increase side effects. Always follow your doctor's specific instructions.

For how long do I take Palica?
Palica is usually taken long-term for chronic conditions like schizophrenia. The duration of use depends on your response to treatment and any side effects you experience. Your doctor will guide you on how long to continue taking Palica based on your individual health needs. Always follow your doctor's instructions and discuss any concerns about your treatment duration with them.

What disease or symptom is Palica used for?
Palica is primarily used to treat schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. It helps reduce symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking by balancing certain chemicals in the brain. Palica can be used alone or as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, which may include therapy and other medications, to effectively manage these mental health conditions.

How long does it take for Palica to start working?
Palica starts working within a few days, but it may take several weeks to achieve its full therapeutic effect. Individual factors like age, overall health, and the severity of symptoms can affect how quickly you notice improvements. It's important to take Palica exactly as prescribed and attend regular check-ups with your doctor to monitor your progress and adjust treatment as needed.

Is Palica effective?
Yes, Palica is effective for treating schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. It works by balancing certain chemicals in the brain, which helps reduce symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. Clinical studies show that Palica improves overall functioning and quality of life for people with these conditions. Always follow your doctor's instructions to achieve the best results from your treatment.

How do I know if Palica is working?
Palica is used to treat schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. You'll know it's working when you notice a reduction in symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. Improvement in daily functioning and mood stability are also signs of effectiveness. Regular check-ups with your doctor are important to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed. Your doctor may use symptom scales and your feedback to assess the medication's impact.

How does Palica work?
Palica works by blocking certain receptors in the brain, which helps balance neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. This action reduces symptoms of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, such as hallucinations and delusions. Think of it like adjusting the volume on a radio to reduce static and improve sound clarity. This medication helps improve mental clarity and stability for those with these conditions.

Who should avoid taking Palica?
Palica should not be used if you have a known allergy to it or its ingredients, as this can cause severe allergic reactions. It is also contraindicated in patients with a history of neuroleptic malignant syndrome, which is a life-threatening reaction to antipsychotic drugs. Use caution if you have heart problems, as Palica can affect heart rhythm. Always discuss your medical history with your doctor before starting Palica.

Can I take Palica with other prescription drugs?
Palica can interact with other medications, increasing the risk of side effects. Major interactions include drugs that affect heart rhythm, like antiarrhythmics, which can increase the risk of heart problems. Moderate interactions include medications that cause drowsiness, like sedatives, which can enhance Palica's sedative effects. Always inform your doctor about all medications you take to avoid interactions and ensure safe and effective treatment.

Can Palica be taken safely while pregnant?
The safety of Palica during pregnancy is not well-established. Limited data suggest potential risks, so it's important to weigh the benefits and risks with your doctor. Uncontrolled mental health conditions during pregnancy can also pose risks to both mother and baby. If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the safest treatment options for managing your condition.

Can Palica be taken safely while breastfeeding?
The safety of Palica while breastfeeding is not well-established. It is unknown if Palica passes into breast milk, but there could be potential risks to the infant. Discuss with your doctor whether to continue breastfeeding or use Palica. They can help you weigh the benefits and risks and explore alternative treatments if necessary to ensure the safety of both you and your baby.

Is Palica safe for the elderly?
Elderly patients are more vulnerable to the side effects of Palica, such as dizziness and increased risk of falls. It can also increase the risk of stroke in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis. Careful monitoring and dose adjustments may be necessary. Always discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor to ensure safe use of Palica in elderly patients.

How should I store Palica?
Store Palica at room temperature, away from moisture and light. Keep it in its original container, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Do not store it in the bathroom, as humidity can affect the medication. Check the expiration date regularly and dispose of any unused or expired medication properly. Follow your pharmacist's or doctor's instructions for safe storage.

Does Palica make people tired or drowsy?
Yes, Palica can cause drowsiness or fatigue, which are common side effects. These effects are usually mild to moderate. If you feel unusually tired, talk with your doctor. They can help determine if the tiredness is related to Palica and suggest ways to manage it. Proper rest, regular physical activity, and a balanced diet can help maintain your energy levels while taking this medication.

Does Palica cause stomach upset?
Yes, Palica can cause stomach upset, including nausea and vomiting, which are considered occasional side effects. These effects are usually mild to moderate. Taking Palica with food might help reduce discomfort. If you experience severe or persistent stomach issues, contact your doctor. They can help determine if these symptoms are related to Palica or another cause and suggest appropriate management.

Does Palica affect sleep?
Yes, Palica can interfere with sleep, causing insomnia or hypersomnia, which are occasional side effects. These effects are usually mild to moderate. If you notice changes in your sleep patterns, talk with your doctor. They can help determine if these changes are related to Palica and suggest ways to improve your sleep while continuing your treatment.

Does Palica make it hard to think or concentrate?
Yes, Palica can cause cognitive side effects like difficulty concentrating or thinking, which are considered occasional. These effects are usually mild to moderate. If you experience these symptoms, talk with your doctor. They can help determine if the symptoms are related to Palica and suggest ways to manage them while continuing your treatment. Do not stop taking Palica without consulting your doctor.

Does Palica affect mood?
Yes, Palica can affect mood, causing side effects like anxiety or agitation, which are considered occasional. These effects are usually mild to moderate. If you notice changes in your mood after starting Palica, talk with your doctor. They can help determine if these changes are related to the medication and suggest appropriate support while continuing your treatment.

Does Palica interfere with sexual function?
Yes, Palica can interfere with sexual function. It may cause sexual health side effects like erectile dysfunction or loss of libido, which is a reduced interest in sexual activity. These side effects are considered occasional, meaning they occur in less than 10% of people. The severity can range from mild to moderate. If you experience these side effects, talk to your doctor. They may suggest adjusting your dose or trying a different medication to help manage these issues while continuing your treatment.

Does Palica affect appetite?
Yes, Palica can affect your appetite, often leading to increased hunger, which may contribute to weight gain. This effect is considered occasional and usually mild to moderate. To manage appetite changes, try maintaining regular meal times and a balanced diet. If you notice significant changes in your appetite, discuss them with your doctor. They can help determine if these changes are related to Palica and suggest ways to manage them.

Does Palica cause weight gain?
Yes, Palica can affect your weight, often causing weight gain. This is a common side effect, occurring in more than 10% of users. The weight gain is usually mild to moderate. To manage this, maintain a balanced diet and regular exercise. If you notice significant weight changes, discuss them with your doctor. They can help determine if the changes are related to Palica and suggest ways to manage them.

Does Palica cause headaches?
Yes, Palica can cause headaches, which are considered an occasional side effect. These headaches are usually mild to moderate in severity. If you experience mild headaches, staying hydrated and resting may help. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also be used after consulting your doctor. If headaches become severe or persistent, contact your healthcare provider to determine if they are related to Palica or another cause.

Does Palica limit driving?
Palica can cause side effects like dizziness and drowsiness, which may impair your ability to drive safely. Avoid driving until you know how Palica affects you. If you feel dizzy or drowsy, do not drive. Monitor your symptoms and discuss any concerns with your doctor. They can provide guidance on when it might be safe for you to drive while taking this medication.

Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Palica?
It's best to avoid alcohol while taking Palica. Alcohol can increase the sedative effects of Palica, leading to increased drowsiness and dizziness. This combination can impair your ability to perform tasks that require alertness, like driving. If you choose to drink, do so in moderation and be aware of how your body reacts. Always discuss alcohol use with your doctor to get personalized advice.

Is it safe to drink coffee or tea while taking Palica?
You can drink coffee and tea while taking Palica, as there are no known interactions with caffeine. However, caffeine can increase anxiety and restlessness in some people, which might affect your condition. Enjoy caffeinated drinks in moderation and monitor how they affect you. If you notice any changes in your symptoms, discuss them with your doctor for personalized advice.

Is it safe to exercise while taking Palica?
Yes, you can exercise while taking Palica, but be mindful of potential side effects like dizziness or drowsiness, which may affect your exercise capacity. Start with light to moderate activities and see how your body responds. Stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activities if you feel unwell. If you experience any unusual symptoms during exercise, stop and rest. Consult your doctor for personalized exercise advice.

What are Palica possible harms and risks?
Common side effects include drowsiness, weight gain, dizziness, and constipation. More serious risks include high blood sugar, movement disorders (extrapyramidal symptoms), and increased prolactin levels, which may cause hormonal changes. Rarely, it can cause neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a life-threatening condition. Regular medical check-ups help manage these risks.
Available in 3 variations

Palica OD 3mg Tablet
Palica OD 3mg Tablet
strip of 10 tablets

Palica OD 9mg Tablet
Palica OD 9mg Tablet
strip of 10 tablets

Palica OD 6mg Tablet
Palica OD 6mg Tablet
strip of 10 tablets