Details

Fluphenazine is an anti-psychotic medicine in a group of drugs called phenothiazines. It works by changing the actions of chemicals in your brain. Fluphenazine is used to treat psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. Fluphenazine is not approved for use in psychotic conditions related to dementia. Fluphenazine may increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related conditions. To make sure fluphenazine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have heart disease or high blood pressure bone marrow suppression a brain tumour liver or kidney disease severe asthma, emphysema, or other breathing problem a history of breast cancer glaucoma seizures or epilepsy pheochromocytoma (tumour of the adrenal gland) an enlarged prostate or urination problems Parkinson's disease or if you have ever had a serious side effect while using fluphenazine or any other phenothiazine. Taking antipsychotic medication during the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause problems in the newborn, such as withdrawal symptoms, breathing problems, feeding problems, fussiness, tremors, and limp or stiff muscles.

Typical Uses

Fluphenazine is used to treat symptoms of a certain type of mental/mood condition (schizophrenia). Fluphenazine belongs to a class of medications called phenothiazines and is also referred to as a neuroleptic. It works by affecting the balance of natural chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain. This medication is not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age. Also, it should not be used to manage behavioural problems in patients with mental retardation.

Side Effects

High doses or long-term use of fluphenazine can cause a serious movement disorder that may not be reversible. Symptoms of this disorder include uncontrollable muscle movements of your lips, tongue, eyes, face, arms, or legs. The longer you take fluphenazine, the more likely you are to develop a serious movement disorder. The risk of this side effect is higher in women and older adults. Inform your doctor if you have twitching or uncontrollable movements of your eyes, lips, tongue, face, arms, or legs stiffness in your neck, tightness in your throat, trouble breathing or swallowing sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, sore throat, swollen gums, painful mouth sores, pain when swallowing, skin sores, cold or flu symptoms, cough, easy bruising or bleeding a light-headed feeling (like you might pass out), slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, slow breathing seizure (convulsions) blurred vision, eye pain, seeing halos around lights dark urine, clay-coloured stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) severe nervous system reaction-very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out or severe skin reaction-fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Drug Interactions

• Fluphenazine+propoxyphene- Using fluphenazine together with propoxyphene can add to the side effects of either medication. This may be more likely to occur in older adults or those with a debilitating condition. Talk with your doctor before using these medications together.

• Fluphenazine+bupropion- Talk to your doctor before using bupropion together with fluphenazine. Combining these medications may increase the risk of seizures, which may occur rarely with either medication. In addition, bupropion can increase the blood levels of fluphenazine, which may increase other side effects. You may be more likely to experience seizures with these medications if you are elderly, undergoing alcohol or drug withdrawal, have a history of seizures, or have a condition affecting the central nervous system such as a brain tumour or head trauma.

• Fluphenazine+ceritinib- Using ceritinib together with fluphenazine can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. You may be more susceptible if you have a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome, other cardiac diseases, conduction abnormalities, or electrolyte disturbances.

• Fluphenazine+dronedarone- Using dronedarone together with fluphenazine is not recommended. Combining these medications can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. You may be more susceptible if you have a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome, other

Mechanism of action

Fluphenazine belongs to the class of antipsychotic drugs called phenothiazines. It acts by decreasing the activity of certain chemicals in the brain which are responsible for symptoms of schizophrenia, thereby reducing abnormal excitement in brain.