Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

You may take this medicine with or without food.

Swallow the extended-release tablet whole with a liquid (water or juice). Do not crush, break, or chew it.

Part of the tablet may pass into your stool after your body has absorbed the medicine. This is normal and is nothing to worry about.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For oral dosage form (extended-release tablets):
    • For schizophrenia:
      • Adults—At first, 6 milligrams (mg) once a day, every morning. Some patients may need 3 mg per day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 12 mg per day.
      • Children 12 to 17 years of age and weighs 51 kg (112 lbs) or more—At first, 3 mg once a day, every morning. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 12 mg per day.
      • Children 12 to 17 years of age and weighs less than 51 kg (112 lbs)—At first, 3 mg once a day, every morning. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 6 mg per day.
      • Children younger than 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For schizoaffective disorder:
      • Adults—At first, 6 milligrams (mg) once a day, every morning. Some patients may need 3 mg per day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 12 mg per day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.