Fluphenazine
About
Fluphenazine belongs to a group of medicines called 'antipsychotics,' primarily used to treat schizophrenia and psychotic symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and hostility (unfriendly or opposed behaviour). Schizophrenia is a mental condition in which the person may feel, hear or see things that are not there (hallucinations), believe things that are not true, and feel unusually suspicious or confused.
Fluphenazine contains 'Fluphenazine' that works by blocking the effects of chemical messengers (dopamine) in the brain and improves thinking mood, and behaviour. Thereby, Fluphenazine decreases hallucinations and delusions associated with schizophrenia.
Your doctor will decide the dose and duration based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Common side effects of Fluphenazine include drowsiness, headache, dizziness, light-headedness, nausea, loss of appetite, dry mouth, sweating, and constipation. These side effects are not familiar to everyone and vary individually. If you notice any side effects that are not manageable, please consult your doctor.
Fluphenazine is not recommended for treatment in patients with dementia-related psychosis. If you are using any prescription and non-prescription medications, let your doctor know before starting Fluphenazine. Inform your doctor beforehand if you have a history of liver or kidney diseases, heart problems, breathing problems, blood problems, glaucoma, depression, and fits. If you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or a breastfeeding mother, inform your doctor before starting Fluphenazine. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Fluphenazine as it can make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or operate machinery while using Fluphenazine since it can make you sleepy and interfere with your driving ability. Fluphenazine is not approved for anyone younger than 12 years of age.
Uses of Fluphenazine
Medicinal Benefits
Fluphenazine is used to treat schizophrenia and psychotic symptoms. It contains 'Fluphenazine' that works by blocking the effects of chemical messengers (dopamine) in the brain. Fluphenazine helps in clear thinking and relieves the psychotic symptoms like delusions, hostility, and hallucinations associated with schizophrenia.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Fluphenazine
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Light-headedness
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Dry mouth
- Sweating
- Constipation
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Fluphenazine is not recommended for treatment in patients with dementia-related psychosis. Before using Fluphenazine, let your doctor know if you have a medical history of liver or kidney diseases, heart problems, breathing problems (asthma), pheochromocytoma, fits, glaucoma, blood problems (leukopenia, thrombocytopenia), low blood calcium levels, enlarged prostate, and breast cancer. Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or a breastfeeding mother before starting Fluphenazine. Avoid alcohol consumption along with Fluphenazine as it might lead to increased side effects like dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid driving or operating machinery as Fluphenazine may decrease your mental alertness, making you feel dizzy or drowsy. Fluphenazine is not recommended for children below 12 years of age as the safety and effectiveness were not been established.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Fluphenazine may interact with opioid pain relievers (codeine, hydrocodone), anti-anxiety drugs (alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), anti-allergic drugs (cetirizine), common cold medicines (diphenhydramine), antidepressants (escitalopram, fluoxetine, sertraline), and antipsychotics (quetiapine).
Drug-Food Interaction: Do not consume alcohol while taking Fluphenazine as it could lead to increased dizziness and drowsiness.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Before using Fluphenazine, let your doctor know if you have liver or kidney diseases, heart problems, breast cancer, breathing problems, stroke, dementia, fits, low white blood cells, and enlarged prostate.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeIt is advised to avoid alcohol consumption while taking Fluphenazine. Alcohol intake, along with Fluphenazine, may cause increased dizziness and drowsiness. Please consult your doctor for more information.
Pregnancy
cautionThis medicine should be used only when advised by your doctor. Using antipsychotic drugs during the third trimester of pregnancy may cause liver problems and birth defects in unborn babies. Please consult your doctor before taking Fluphenazine if you are pregnant or planning to conceive.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is not known if this medicine is excreted into the breast milk. Please consult your doctor before taking Fluphenazine if you are a breastfeeding mother.
Driving
unsafeFluphenazine may make you feel dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive if you are not mentally alert or experience any symptoms that affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with liver impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns.
Kidney
cautionPlease consult your doctor before using Fluphenazine if you have kidney problems.
Children
unsafeFluphenazine is not approved for anyone younger than 12 years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain proper weight by following a healthy diet.
- Exercise regularly as it helps in less cognitive decline and brain volume loss.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Try to avoid stress by practising meditation or yoga.
- Include fruits and vegetables in your diet as they contain antioxidants.
- Eat nutritious food as it helps in cognitive stimulation.
- Limit foods with high cholesterol and saturated fats.
- Cut down on sugar, salt and processed foods.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Follow a regular sleep pattern.
Special Advise
This medicine may interfere with pregnancy tests, phenylketonuria tests, and some urine tests. Tell your doctor that you are taking Fluphenazine if you undergo medical examinations.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Schizophrenia: It is a condition in which the person may see, hear or feel things that are not there, believe things that are not true, or feel unusually suspicious or confused. Symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, thought disorders, movement disorders, disorganised thinking, loss of interest, lack of emotions, etc. Schizophrenia is triggered by physical, genetic, psychological, and environmental factors. Patients suffering from this disease may require lifelong treatment. Treatment involves a combination of medications, psychotherapy and care services.
FAQs
Fluphenazine contains 'Fluphenazine' that works by blocking the effects of chemical messengers (dopamine) in the brain, improving mood, behaviour, and thoughts in schizophrenia.
Before using Fluphenazine, let your doctor know if you have a medical history of liver or kidney diseases, heart problems (history of stroke), breathing problems (asthma, emphysema), pheochromocytoma (adrenal gland tumour), fits, low white blood cells, glaucoma, blood problems (leukopenia, thrombocytopenia), low blood calcium levels, enlarged prostate, and breast cancer. Please let your doctor know if you have any other medical problems before starting Fluphenazine.
Fluphenazine is not recommended for dementia patients since it can lead to serious side effects like heart failure, fast/irregular heartbeat, and pneumonia. However, please discuss this with the doctor for more information.
Dry mouth may be a side-effect of Fluphenazine. Limiting caffeine intake, avoiding smoking and mouthwashes containing alcohol, drinking water regularly, and chewing sugar-free gum/candy might help stimulate saliva and prevent drying of the mouth.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and follow your usual dosage.
