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Fluanxol

Fluanxol

(flupentixol)

Flupenthixol belongs to the family of medications known as thioxanthenes. Fluanxol (Flupentixol) is used in the treatment of Schizophrenia.

Available form

Dosage

Tablet

0.5MG

Buy Fluanxol Full drug details

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Fluanxol information

Dosage

Side Effects

Available Form

Contraindications

Precautions

Warnings

The recommended starting dose of flupenthixol tablets is 1 mg 3 times a day. The doctor may increase this dose every 2 or 3 days depending on how you are doing. The usual maintenance dose is 3 mg to 6 mg daily, taken in divided doses.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

Once you have reached a stable dose of flupenthixol tablets, your doctor may switch you to an injectable form of flupenthixol that stays in your system longer and makes it easier to remember to take your medication.

Flupenthixol tablets may be taken with food or on an empty stomach, however taking it with food or milk may help to reduce stomach upset.

It may take several weeks to feel the full benefit of Fluanxol (Flupentixol). Flupenthixol tablets must be taken every day to be effective. It is important that you keep taking the medication as prescribed by your doctor.

Your body will become accustomed to the medication over time. Do not stop taking Fluanxol (Flupentixol) without talking to your doctor. If Fluanxol (Flupentixol) is stopped suddenly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, Diarrhea, trouble sleeping, or loss of appetite. If you plan on stopping the medication, your doctor may want you to reduce the dose gradually to reduce the severity of withdrawal effects.

It is important that Fluanxol (Flupentixol) be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose of Fluanxol (Flupentixol), and it is more than 6 hours until your next dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is less than 6 hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

If you are using the flupenthixol injection and you miss an appointment to receive a dose, contact your doctor as soon as possible to reschedule your appointment.

Store Fluanxol (Flupentixol) at room temperature and protect it from light and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Fluanxol (Flupentixol). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Fluanxol (Flupentixol) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Fluanxol (Flupentixol). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

changes in menstrual periods
Constipation
decreased interest in sexual activity
decreased sexual ability
dizziness
Dry Mouth
fatigue
increased production of saliva
increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight
increased sweating
swelling of breasts (in men and women)
unusual secretion of milk
weight changes

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

blurred vision or other eye problems
circular eye movement
decreased blood pressure (fainting, dizziness, lightheadedness)
difficult urination
fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
mask-like face
muscle spasms, especially of the neck and back
new or worsening constipation
severe restlessness or need to keep moving
shuffling walk
signs of liver damage (e.g., yellowing of skin or whites of eyes, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, light-coloured stools, tiredness, or weakness)
skin rash
stiffness of arms and legs
symptoms of a blood clot in the arm or leg (tenderness, pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in the arm or leg) or lungs (difficulty breathing, sharp chest pain that is worse when breathing in, coughing, coughing up blood, sweating, or passing out)
symptoms of high blood sugar (e.g., frequent urination, increased thirst, excessive eating, unexplained weight loss, poor wound healing, infections, fruity breath odour)
trembling and shaking of fingers and hands
uncontrolled body movements (e.g., twisting movements, chewing movements, puffing cheeks, lip smacking or puckering)

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

long-lasting (more than 4 hours) and painful erection
seizures
signs of a Heart Attack (e.g., chest pain or pressure, pain extending through shoulder and arm, nausea and vomiting, sweating)
signs of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (e.g., high Fever, muscle stiffness, confusion or loss of consciousness, sweating, racing or irregular heartbeat, or fainting)
signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)
signs of a Stroke (e.g., headache, loss of coordination, slurred speech, weakness, numbness, or unexplained pain in the arm or leg)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Fluanxol (Flupentixol).

Before you begin using 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 use Fluanxol (Flupentixol).

Abnormal heart rhythms: Fluanxol (Flupentixol) can cause abnormal heart rhythms. Certain medications (e.g., Sotalol, quinidine, thioridazine, Chlorpromazine, Pimozide, moxifloxacin, Mefloquine, pentamidine, arsenic trioxide, Tacrolimus) can increase the risk of a type of abnormal heart rhythm called QT prolongation, and should not be used in combination with flupenthixol. You are more at risk for this type of abnormal heart rhythm and its complications if you:

are female
are older than 65 years of age
have a family history of sudden cardiac death
have a history of heart disease or abnormal heart rhythms
have a slow heart rate
have congenital prolongation of the QT interval
have Diabetes
have had a stroke
have low potassium, magnesium, or calcium levels
have nutritional deficiencies

Blood counts: Fluanxol (Flupentixol) 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 do 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.

Blood sugar: Flupenthixol may cause an increase in blood sugar levels (may cause a loss of blood glucose control) and glucose tolerance may change. This may happen to people who have never had high blood glucose levels. People with diabetes may find it necessary to monitor their blood sugar more frequently while using Fluanxol (Flupentixol).

If you have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Fluanxol (Flupentixol) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Fluanxol (Flupentixol), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Dementia: Adults with dementia appear to be at a greater risk of sudden death when they are taking flupenthixol. This appears to happen more often in seniors with dementia. If you have dementia, discuss with your doctor how Fluanxol (Flupentixol) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Fluanxol (Flupentixol), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Fluanxol (Flupentixol) may cause drowsiness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or perform other potentially hazardous tasks until you have determined how Fluanxol (Flupentixol) affects you.

Glaucoma: Fluanxol (Flupentixol) may make glaucoma worse. If you have glaucoma, discuss with your doctor how Fluanxol (Flupentixol) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Fluanxol (Flupentixol), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Fluanxol (Flupentixol) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver disease or decreased liver function, discuss with your doctor how Fluanxol (Flupentixol) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Fluanxol (Flupentixol), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Flupenthixol may also cause decreased liver function or make liver problems worse. If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.

Movement disorders: The use of flupenthixol has been associated with a potentially irreversible movement disorder called tardive dyskinesia (TD). This syndrome involves the involuntary movements of facial muscles and the tongue. The risk of a person developing this syndrome is usually but not always linked to treatment duration and the total amount of antipsychotic medications taken.

If you develop signs and symptoms of TD during treatment with flupenthixol, including sticking the tongue out, smacking the lips, pursing or puckering of lips, and blinking eyes rapidly, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): Flupenthixol, like other antipsychotic medications, can cause a potentially fatal syndrome known as neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). If you notice the symptoms of NMS such as high fever; muscle stiffness; confusion or loss of consciousness; sweating, racing, or irregular heartbeat; or fainting, get immediate medical attention.

Parkinson's Disease: Fluanxol (Flupentixol) may make symptoms of Parkinson's disease worse. If you have Parkinson's disease, discuss with your doctor how Fluanxol (Flupentixol) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Fluanxol (Flupentixol), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Prolonged erection (priapism): If an erection lasts longer than 4 hours (a rare occurrence), seek immediate medical assistance. If this condition is not treated quickly, tissue damage and permanent loss of the ability to have an erection could result.

Seizures: Flupenthixol may make pre-existing seizure disorders worse. If you have a seizure disorder, discuss with your doctor how Fluanxol (Flupentixol) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Fluanxol (Flupentixol), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Stopping the medication: If Fluanxol (Flupentixol) needs to be stopped, it should be done gradually, under the supervision of your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking Fluanxol (Flupentixol), you may experience symptoms of withdrawal.

Take the medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor, and do not stop taking the medication without checking with your doctor first.

Pregnancy: Fluanxol (Flupentixol) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Fluanxol (Flupentixol), contact your doctor immediately. Newborn babies who have been exposed to Fluanxol (Flupentixol) in the last 3 months of pregnancy have experienced withdrawal symptoms after birth.

Breast-feeding: Fluanxol (Flupentixol) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking flupenthixol, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Fluanxol (Flupentixol) have not been established for children.

Seniors: Seniors are at an increased risk of experiencing severe side effects of flupenthixol due to decreased kidney, liver, and heart function. Discuss with your doctor how Fluanxol (Flupentixol) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Fluanxol (Flupentixol), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

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All material © 1996-2024 MediResource Inc. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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