May alter cardiac conduction and prolong QTc interval (avoid use in combination with QTc-prolonging drugs, in congenital long-QT syndrome and in history of cardiac arrhythmia). Antipsychotic use associated with esophageal dysmotility and aspiration (use with caution in risk of pneumonia, and in patients unable to swallow tablet whole). May cause extrapyramidal symptoms, including pseudoparkinsonism, acute dystonic reactions, akathisia, and tardive dyskinesia. Risk of tardive dyskinesia may be increased in the elderly, particularly women. Risk of dystonia may be greater with increased doses, use of conventional antipsychotics, males, and younger patients. Atypical antipsychotics associated with development of hyperglycemia (use with caution in diabetes (or risk factors) or other disorders of glucose regulation). Use may be associated with neuroleptic malignant syndrome (risk may be increased in Parkinson’s disease or Lewy body dementia). May cause orthostatic hypotension (use with caution in cerebrovascular disease, cardiovascular disease, hypovolemia, or concurrent medication use which may predispose to hypotension/bradycardia). May be low-to-moderately sedating. Possibility of suicide attempt inherent in psychotic illness or bipolar disorder. Impaired core body temperature regulation may occur. Significant weight gain observed with antipsychotic therapy. Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with atypical antipsychotics are at increased risk of death compared to placebo. Not approved for treatment of dementia-related psychosis. Use not recommended in pre-existing severe gastrointestinal narrowing disorders. Use with caution in Parkinson’s disease, in breast cancer or other prolactin-dependent tumors (elevates prolactin levels), in renal disease, and in risk of seizures (the elderly may be at increased risk of seizures). May mask toxicity of other drugs or conditions (e.g. intestinal obstruction, Reye’s syndrome, brain tumor) due to antiemetic effects.