thoughtscape NP Psychiatry · Patient education
Cyamemazine
Tercian • international reference / France
A sedating antipsychotic used in France. The reason for treatment and its planned duration should be clear from the start.
Draft for review · Clinical content has not been revalidated for this website.
This companion discusses oral treatment. Local formulations, licensing, and directions differ; follow your own prescription.
What it is used for
French uses: psychosis, short-term anxiety after other treatments fail, or an antidepressant add-on for selected severe depression.
Children: severe agitation/aggression, not routine anxiety; specialist use only.
How it works
Changes dopamine and serotonin signaling. Other actions can cause sleepiness, dizziness, and dry mouth.
Receptor diagrams describe actions, not promises. Sedation does not prove that illness is improving.
What to expect over time
EARLY DAYS
Drowsiness and dizziness can appear early. Start low and increase only as prescribed. Report effects that interfere with daily life.
OVER WEEKS
Psychosis may improve over several weeks. Review symptoms and function, not just sleep. Seek help promptly for serious changes.
PLANNED REVIEW
French anxiety use is limited to 4 weeks; depression add-on use to the first 4–6 weeks. Longer use needs a different clinical justification.
Taking your medication
Follow the prescribed divided doses, generally two or three times daily. Swallow tablets with water. Do not switch formulations or change doses yourself.
Avoid alcohol, including alcohol-containing medicines. Do not drive or operate machinery while drowsy; ask when these activities are safe.
Rise slowly, avoid overheating and protect your skin from excessive sun/UV. Do not double missed doses or stop sustained treatment abruptly.
When to get help
Emergency care: fainting, seizure, chest pain, breathing trouble, facial swelling, or severe palpitations. For fever with stiffness/confusion, stop and seek emergency help.
Urgent care: severe belly pain, urinary blockage, prolonged painful erection, or severe rash.
Call now: fever, sore throat, or infection needs an immediate blood count. Also report jaundice, new movements, or worsening mood/suicidal thoughts.
Early side effects
Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, and blurred vision can occur. Report severe constipation; plan bowel/dental care. New restlessness may be a drug effect, not anxiety.
Other effects to discuss
Weight, glucose, and prolactin can rise. Report breast changes, milk discharge, missed periods, or sexual problems. Stiffness, tremor, or new involuntary movements need review, even at a low dose.
What to keep track of
Keep checks for blood pressure, pulse, movements, weight, and glucose/lipids. ECGs, electrolytes, and blood counts depend on risks and symptoms. Track bowel/urinary symptoms. Children need regular review, including learning and development.
Before you start
Discuss heart-rhythm problems, fainting, seizures, low blood counts, blood clots, Parkinson disease, glaucoma, constipation, urinary trouble, and liver/kidney disease. Older adults have greater falls and confusion risks; antipsychotics increase mortality in dementia-related psychosis. Check allergies, pregnancy, all medicines, and the exact tablet ingredients.
Medicines & interactions
Combinations prohibited in France
Do not combine with citalopram, escitalopram, hydroxyzine, or domperidone. Cabergoline/quinagolide for non-Parkinson uses are also contraindicated. Have the prescriber resolve an existing combination promptly.
Heart rhythm and alertness
Check methadone, antibiotics, anti-nausea drugs, other antipsychotics, and medicines that slow pulse or lower potassium. Alcohol, opioids, and other sedatives add impairment; blood-pressure drugs add dizziness.
Bowel, movement, and seizure risks
Anticholinergic sleep/allergy/bladder medicines can worsen constipation and urinary trouble. Review lithium, Parkinson medicines, bupropion, and tramadol. Do not stop Parkinson treatment suddenly.
Stomach remedies and procedures
Separate antacids or gut adsorbents by more than 2 hours when possible. Tell doctors and dentists about Tercian before procedures or new medicines; check all OTC products and supplements.
Everyday tips
Agree on a clear target: what should improve, by when, and how benefit will be measured.
Keep the planned review/stop date. Do not increase the dose just because sedation has faded.
Ask for help with dry mouth, constipation, dizziness, or sexual effects rather than silently tolerating them.
Keep a medicine list and an urgent-contact plan. Seek emergency help for immediate self-harm danger.
Your questions, answered
What if I miss a dose?
Do not double or improvise a catch-up dose. Ask your pharmacist how to handle the gap for your schedule; the French leaflet gives no universal missed-dose rule.
Can I stop when I feel better?
Agree on a taper after sustained use. Abrupt stopping can cause nausea, vomiting, headache, fast pulse, agitation, poor sleep, or relapse. Serious reactions need urgent assessment instead.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding?
The French label discourages both. If pregnancy occurs, contact your clinician rather than suddenly stopping. Late exposure may affect a newborn's movement, alertness, feeding, or breathing; obtain specialist advice.
What about wheat allergy or overdose?
Tercian tablets contain wheat starch and lactose. Wheat allergy is a contraindication; celiac disease is different. For suspected overdose, seek emergency care or call your local poison center immediately—even without symptoms.
Storage & safety
Keep Tercian tablets below 30°C, protected from light and securely away from children and pets. Never share. Return unused medicine to a pharmacy; follow your exact pack's instructions.
About this information
For general information only; not a substitute for individualized medical advice. This sheet does not cover every risk or interaction. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist before changing how you take this medication.
Sources
Educational inclusion does not mean this medication or its indications are treated at this practice. Review the guide for your exact product with your prescriber or pharmacist.