Iloperidone is an antipsychotic medication. It works by changing the effects of chemicals in the brain.

Iloperidone is used to treat schizophrenia.

Iloperidone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Iloperidone is not for use in psychotic conditions related to dementia. Iloperidone may cause heart failure, sudden death, or pneumonia in older adults with dementia-related conditions.

Before you take iloperidone, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions.

While you are taking iloperidone, you may be more sensitive to temperature extremes such as very hot or cold conditions. Avoid getting too cold, or becoming overheated or dehydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, especially in hot weather and during exercise. It is easier to become dangerously overheated and dehydrated while you are taking iloperidone.

Iloperidone may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of iloperidone.

Stop using iloperidone and call your doctor at once if you have very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, restless muscle movements in your face or neck, tremor (uncontrolled shaking), trouble swallowing, or feeling like you might pass out.

If you have stopped taking iloperidone for any reason, talk with your doctor before you start taking it again. You may need to restart the medication at a lower dose.

Iloperidone is not for use in psychotic conditions related to dementia. Iloperidone may cause heart failure, sudden death, or pneumonia in older adults with dementia-related conditions.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to iloperidone.

To make sure you can safely take iloperidone, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• kidney or liver disease;

• a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome;

• seizures or epilepsy;

• heart disease, heart rhythm problems;

• high blood pressure, high cholesterol;

• a history of low white blood cell (WBC) counts;

• a history of heart attack or stroke;

• an electrolyte imbalance, such as low potassium or magnesium levels in your blood;

• a history of breast cancer;

• diabetes (iloperidone may raise your blood sugar);

• trouble swallowing; or

• a history of suicidal thoughts.

FDA pregnancy category C. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

Taking antipsychotic medication during the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause problems in the newborn, such as withdrawal symptoms, breathing problems, feeding problems, fussiness, tremors, and limp or stiff muscles. However, you may have withdrawal symptoms or other problems if you stop taking your medicine during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking iloperidone, do not stop taking it without your doctor's advice.

Do not start or stop taking iloperidone during pregnancy without your doctor's advice. The benefit of controlling your schizophrenia may outweigh any risks posed by taking iloperidone.

It is not known whether iloperidone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are taking iloperidone.

Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from this medicine.