Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should take Apo Fluphenazine.
Abrupt withdrawal: Stopping Apo Fluphenazine suddenly can result in symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, Insomnia and confusion. Apo Fluphenazine should be discontinued gradually and under medical direction.
Blood Clots: Apo Fluphenazine may increase the chance of blood clot formation.
If you have a history of clotting you may be at increased risk of experiencing blood clot-related problems such as Heart Attack, stroke, or clots in the deep veins of your leg.If you experience symptoms such as sharp pain and swelling in the leg, difficulty breathing, chest pain, blurred vision or difficulty speaking, contact your doctor immediately.
Blood counts: Apo Fluphenazine can decrease the number of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection), red blood cells (which carry oxygen), and platelets (which help your blood to clot). Your doctor will periodically order blood tests to monitor this. If you notice any signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, or sore throat) or unusual bleeding or bruising, contact your doctor immediately.
Body temperature: Fluphenazine, like other antipsychotic medications, may interfere with your body's ability to regulate body temperature in extreme hot or cold conditions. People who exercise vigorously, who are exposed to extreme heat, are dehydrated, or are taking anticholinergic medications (e.g., Benztropine, Oxybutynin) are more at risk. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you feel very hot and are unable to cool down.
Take care to avoid overheating during strenuous exercise or in hot temperatures, and avoid becoming dehydrated by drinking enough fluids.
Constipation: Fluphenazine may cause the passage of material through the digestive system to slow down or stop. Rarely, and particularly with seniors, muscles in the digestive system stop working together. This condition can become a medical emergency if it is not corrected early. If you experience constipation, talk to your doctor.
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: The use of Apo Fluphenazine may impair the mental and physical abilities required for driving a car or operating machinery. Avoid consuming alcohol while on Apo Fluphenazine as it can produce extreme drowsiness.
Heart rhythm: Fluphenazine can cause changes to the normal rhythm of the heart, including an irregular heartbeat called QT prolongation. QT prolongation is a serious life-threatening condition that can cause fainting, seizures, and sudden death. If you are at risk for heart rhythm problems (e.g., people with heart failure, Angina, low potassium or magnesium levels), discuss with your doctor how Apo Fluphenazine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Apo Fluphenazine, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Low Blood Pressure: Some people taking fluphenazine may experience sudden blood pressure drops when getting up from a sitting or lying position. These blood pressure drops could lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, and falls, especially for seniors taking Apo Fluphenazine. If you experience this problem, try getting up more slowly. If it persists or if you faint, contact your doctor.
Seizures: Like other similar medications, fluphenazine may cause seizures. If you have a history of Epilepsy or medical conditions that increase the risk of seizures, discuss with your doctor how Apo Fluphenazine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Apo Fluphenazine, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Sun: Apo Fluphenazine makes you more sensitive to the harmful effects of sunlight. Make sure to apply a broad spectrum sunscreen prior to sunlight exposure.
Tardive Dyskinesia (TD): Like some other antipsychotic medications, fluphenazine may cause tardive dyskinesia (TD) to develop. TD is a potentially irreversible syndrome of involuntary, repetitive movements of the face and tongue muscles. Although TD appears most commonly in seniors, especially women, it is impossible to predict who will develop TD. The risk of developing TD increases with higher doses and long-term treatment. If you experience muscle twitching or abnormal movements of the face or tongue, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Vision Changes: Apo Fluphenazine may cause vision changes. While you are taking fluphenazine, regular eye examinations should occur, to identify early changes to the eyes.
Pregnancy: Apo Fluphenazine should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Apo Fluphenazine, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Fluphenazine passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Apo Fluphenazine, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Apo Fluphenazine have not been established for children less than12 years of age.
Seniors: Seniors should use Apo Fluphenazine with caution. Similar medications to fluphenazine have been associated with an increased risk of death, when used in elderly people with Dementia.
