Pimozide, sold under the brand name Orap, is a neuroleptic drug of the diphenylbutylpiperidine class. It was discovered at Janssen Pharmaceutica in 1963. Pimozide has a high potency compared to chlorpromazine (with a ratio of 50-70:1). On a weight basis, it is even more potent than haloperidol1.

Here are some key points about pimozide:

• Clinical Uses:

  • Pimozide is primarily used to treat Tourette’s syndrome.

  • It suppresses the physical (motor) and vocal (phonic) symptoms of tics when these symptoms interfere with daily life function.

  • Note that it is not for use in treating motor tics that are not caused by Tourette’s syndrome.