What is Fluphenazine?
Fluphenazine (phenothiazine, FEEN-oh-THYE-a-zeen) is an antipsychotic medicine prescribed to treat psychotic disorders like schizophrenia. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of fluphenazine.
Side effect of Fluphenazine
If you experience symptoms of an allergic response (hives or difficulty breathing, swelling on your face or in your throat) or a severe reaction to the skin (fever or sore neck, burning or itching eyes, skin pain or blistering, or a red or purple rash with blistering or peeling), seek emergency medical attention. Fluphenazine, in high doses or for a long time, can cause serious movement disorders that are not always reversible. Fluphenazine can cause serious movement disorders, which may not be reversible.
Fluphenazine can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Uncontrolled facial movements (such as lip smacking and frowning; tongue movements, blinking, or eye movements);
- Extreme drowsiness (like you could pass out)
- Strange dreams or if you're feeling restless or excited
- Blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights
- Urination that is painful or difficult
- Constipation is a serious condition that causes stomach pain and bloating.
- Jaundice refers to an abnormal yellowing of both skin and eyes.
- A seizure;
- Low white blood cell count—fever and chills; mouth sores or skin sores; sore throats; sores on the lips, tongue, and skin
Fluphenazine can cause the following side effects:
- Drowsiness; headache; blurred vision
- Problems with muscle or balance movement
- Constipation, nausea, and loss of appetite;
- Weight changes and swelling
- Dry mouth or stuffy nose;
- Increased sweating or urination
- Breast swelling or tenderness
- Impotence is a problem that can lead to an orgasm.
There may be other side effects.Call your doctor if experiencing side effects; for reporting of such effects contact the FDA on 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Fluphenazine should not be used if you suffer from liver disease or brain damage. You also shouldn't use it if your depression is severe or you drink a lot of alcohol. The use of fluphenazine in dementia-related psychosis is not recommended for older adults. If you experience uncontrollable movements in your arms, legs, face, lips, or tongue, call your doctor immediately. These symptoms could be the beginning of a dangerous side effect.
Before you take this drug
Fluphenazine should not be used if:
- Liver disease
- Brain damage;
- Severe depression;
- A disorder of the blood cells (such as low counts of red, white, or platelets)
Use fluphenazine only if you are not sleepy after drinking alcohol or taking sedatives.
The use of fluphenazine in dementia-related psychosis may increase the death risk. It is not approved.
Notify your doctor of any of the following issues:
- Heart problems
- Liver or kidney disease
- Low white blood cell counts
- Breast Cancer
- Glaucoma;
- Parkinson's disease;
- Seizures;
- Pheochromocytoma
Fluphenazine can cause a reaction if exposed to high temperatures, low temperatures, or insecticide poisons. Anyone younger than 12 is not allowed to use fluphenazine. Antipsychotic medication taken in the last three months of pregnancy can cause withdrawal symptoms, breathing problems, or feeding problems in the newborn. If you get pregnant, tell your doctor right away. Do not stop taking fluphenazine before consulting your doctor. Fluphenazine can cause false pregnancy tests. Should you suspect being pregnant, inform your physician as soon as possible. Breastfeeding may not be possible while taking this medication. You should ask your doctor if there are any risks.
How to take Fluphenazine?
Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow the directions. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. You must take the medication exactly as it is prescribed. Fluphenazine is taken orally. Measuring liquid medicine is important. Use the provided dosing device or a dose-measuring tool (not a spoon). The oral solution of fluphenazine must be mixed at least with 2 ounces (1/4 cup) of a liquid, such as tomato juice, fruit (but not apples), or soft drinks that do not contain caffeine. A healthcare provider injects fluphenazine into a muscle or even under the skin. Fluphenazine injections are usually administered only after the patient has taken the medication orally for a period of time. Fluphenazine is not administered daily. Do not forget to follow your doctor's instructions. You may require frequent medical tests. The results may delay your next dose.
Tell your surgeon if you plan to have surgery that you use fluphenazine. You may experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking fluphenazine. You should ask your doctor about how to stop this medication safely. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Liquid medicines should not be allowed to freeze.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for psychosis:
Oral:
Initial dosage: 2.5 to 10 mg taken orally, divided into two doses every 6 to 8 hours.
Maintenance dose: 1–5 mg/day
Maximum dose: up to 40 mg/day
Oral comments
Maintenance doses can be administered as a single dose per day.
Many patients can achieve therapeutic effects with doses less than 20mg. Patients with severe disturbances or insufficient control may need a daily dose up to 40mg.
Parenteral:
Fluphenazine decanoate injection
Initial dosage: 12.5-25.0 mg intramuscularly injected into the gluteal area
Maintenance dosage: 12,5 to 100 mg IM (usually every 3–4 weeks)
Maximum dose: 100 mg/injection
Fluphenazine for injection
Initial dosage: 2.5–10 mg IM in divided doses given every 6–8 hours.
Maximum dose: up to 10 mg/day
Commentary for Parents
When symptoms are under control, patients may switch from fluphenazine for injection to an oral formulation. Oral formulations are usually 2–3 times as potent as fluphenazine injections.
Subcutaneous administration of fluphenazine decanoate is possible.
Uses:
Management of the symptoms of schizophrenia
Management of patients who require prolonged parenteral neuroleptic therapy (e.g., patients with chronic schizophrenia)
The usual geriatric dose for psychosis is:
Oral:
Initial dosage: 1 to 2.5 mg orally in divided doses given every 6–8 hours.
Maintenance dose: 1–5 mg/day
Maximum dose: up to 40 mg
Comments:
Maintenance doses can be administered as a single dosage.
Many patients can achieve therapeutic effects with doses as low as 20 mg. Patients with severe disturbances or insufficient control may need a daily dose up to 40mg.
Use: treatment of symptoms of schizophrenia
What happens if I miss the dose?
If it is almost time for the next dose, consider skipping this missed one and taking only your next scheduled dosage instead of worrying about making up any missed ones. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once. If you missed your appointment to receive your fluphenazine, call your doctor and ask for instructions.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Fluphenazine can cause you to feel dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving and other hazardous activities until you are sure of their effects. Dizziness and drowsiness may cause accidents or serious injuries. You could become dizzy if you rise quickly from sitting or lying position. Alcohol consumption can have side effects when taken with this medication. You may sunburn more easily if you take fluphenazine. Avoid tanning beds or sunlight. Wear protective clothing when venturing outdoors and always use sunblock with an SPF 30+ rating.
Interaction with other drug
Fluphenazine can make you more drowsy when taken with other drugs. Before taking an opioid, a sleeping tablet, a muscle-relaxing medication, or medicine to treat anxiety or seizures, consult your doctor. Fluphenazine can be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.Inform your physician of any medications you are currently taking or plan on starting or discontinuing use.
