Fluphenazine is used to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia and psychosis.
What is Fluphenazine?
Fluphenazine is an antipsychotic. It works by blocking certain receptors of the neurotransmitter dopamine. It reduces the release of hormones from the hypothalamus and pituitary gland and affects the basal metabolic rate, body temperature, insomnia, vasomotor tone and emesis (vomiting).
How should Fluphenazine be taken?
Fluphenazine can be administered orally in the form of tablets or solutions (e.g. droplets). Typically, it must be taken 2-3 times per day.
Side effects associated with Fluphenazine
Possible side effects of Fluphenazine include the following:
- Stomach problems
- Drowsiness
- Weakness or tiredness
- Excitement or anxiety
- Insomnia
- Nightmares
- Dry mouth
- Increased skin sensitivity to the sun
- Changes in appetite or weight changes
It is important to contact a doctor if the drug triggers:
- Constipation
- Difficulties or increased frequency of urination
- Blurred view
- Sexual problems
- Excessive sweating
In particular, a doctor should be contacted immediately if the drug triggers:
- Muscle spasms of the jaw, neck or back
- Difficulty speaking
- Small persistent tremors or the inability to sit still
- Fever, chills, sore throat or flu-like symptoms
- Serious rash
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Jaundice
- Changes in heart beat
- Walking by dragging feet
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Fluphenazine
Some studies have shown that taking antipsychotics such as Fluphenazine may increase the risk of death in elderly people with dementia.
Fluphenazine may also cause drowsiness and alcohol may aggravate this side effect. Therefore, you should be careful when you are driving or operating dangerous machinery. The effectiveness of the drug can be reduced by tobacco. It is advised to prevent drops of Fluphenazine from coming into contact with skin or clothing, as it may have an irritating effect. You also need to avoid caffeinated drinks or diluted drinks such as apple juice.
Before taking Fluphenazine, it is important to inform your doctor:
- If you have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients or any other drug
- If you are taking or have taken any other medicines, herbal remedies or supplements in the past two weeks. Mentioning in particular: antidepressants, antihistamines, bromocriptine, diet pills, lithium, as well as medications for high blood pressure, seizure medications, Parkinson's disease medications, asthma medications, medications against colds or allergies, meperidine, methyldopa, muscle relaxants, propranolol, sedatives, sleeping pills, thyroid medication, tranquilizers and vitamins
- If you suffer (or have suffered) from glaucoma, prostate enlargements, difficulty urinating, seizures, hyperthyroidism or liver disease, kidney or heart disease
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
It is advised to inform surgeons and dentists of any ongoing treatment with Fluphenazine.
