What is fluphenazine? 

Fluphenazine is an anti-psychotic medication in a group of drugs called phenothiazines (FEEN-oh-THYE-a-zeens). It works by changing the actions of chemicals in your brain. 

Fluphenazine is used to treat psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. 

Fluphenazine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide. 

What is the most important information I should know about fluphenazine? 

Stop using this medication  and call  your doctor at once if you have twitching  or uncontrollable movements of your eyes, lips, tongue, face, arms, or legs. These could be early signs of dangerous side effects. Fluphenazine is not for use in psychotic conditions related  to dementia. Fluphenazine may cause heart failure, sudden death, or pneumonia in older adults with dementia-related conditions. Do  not use  fluphenazine if you have liver disease, brain damage, bone marrow depression, a blood cell disorder, or if you are also using large amounts of alcohol or medicines that make you sleepy.  Do not use if you are allergic to fluphenazine or other phenothiazines. 

Before you  take fluphenazine, tell your doctor if you have heart disease  or high blood pressure, a history  of seizures, Parkinson's disease, liver  or kidney disease, severe asthma or breathing problem, past or present breast cancer, adrenal gland tumor, enlarged prostate, urination problems, glaucoma, low levels of calcium in  your blood, or if you have ever had a serious side effect while using fluphenazine or similar medicines. 

Before taking fluphenazine, tell  your doctor about all other medications you use. 

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking fluphenazine? 

Fluphenazine is  not for use in psychotic conditions related  to dementia. Fluphenazine may  cause heart failure, sudden death, or pneumonia  in older adults with dementia-related conditions. Do not use fluphenazine if you have liver disease, brain damage, bone marrow depression,  or a blood cell disorder (such as low platelets  or low red or white blood cell counts), or if you are also using large amounts of alcohol or medicines that make you sleepy.  Do not use if you are allergic to fluphenazine  or other phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), perphenazine (Trilafon), prochlorperazine (Compazine, Compro), promethazine (Adgan, Pentazine, Phenergan), thioridazine (Mellaril), or trifluoperazine (Stelazine). 

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests  to safely use this medication. Before you  take fluphenazine, tell your doctor  if you have: 

• heart disease or high blood pressure; 
• a history of seizures; 
• Parkinson's disease; 
• liver or kidney disease; 
• severe asthma, emphysema, or other breathing problem; 
• past or present breast cancer; 
• adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma); 
• enlarged prostate or urination problems; 
• low levels of calcium in  your blood (hypocalcemia); 
• glaucoma; or 
• if you have ever had  a serious side effect while using fluphenazine or any other phenothiazine. 

Tell your  doctor if you will be exposed  to extreme heat or cold, or to insecticide poisons while you are taking fluphenazine. 

It is not known whether fluphenazine is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell  your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Fluphenazine can pass into breast milk and may harm  a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from  this medication.

How should I take fluphenazine? 

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it  in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow  the directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication. 

Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one. 

Fluphenazine oral solution concentrate solution must be mixed with at least 2 ounces (1/4 cup) of a liquid such as milk, tomato juice, fruit juice (but not apple juice), or a soft drink that does not contain caffeine. 

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your liver  and kidney function may need to be checked with blood tests on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments. 

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead  of time that you are taking fluphenazine. Do not stop using fluphenazine suddenly after long-term use, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or feeling shaky. Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when you stop using fluphenazine.  Store fluphenazine at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not allow liquid medicine to freeze. 

What happens if I miss a dose? 

Take  the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it  is almost time for  your next dose, wait until then to take  the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose. 

What happens if I overdose? 

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much  of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include dry mouth, constipation, bloating  or stomach cramps, feeling like you might pass out, extreme drowsiness, deep sleep, uncontrollable muscle movements, and weak or shallow breathing. 

What should I avoid while taking fluphenazine? 

Fluphenazine can cause side effects that may impair  your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake  and alert. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of  the side effects of fluphenazine. Avoid exposure  to sunlight or tanning beds. Fluphenazine can make  your skin more sensitive  to sunlight, and a sunburn may result. Wear sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) and protective clothing if you must be outdoors. 

Fluphenazine side effects 

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of  your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using fluphenazine and call  your doctor at once if  you have a serious side effect such as: 

• twitching or uncontrollable movements of  your eyes, lips, tongue, face, arms, or legs; 
• tremor (uncontrolled shaking), drooling, trouble swallowing, problems with balance or walking; 
• feeling restless, jittery, or agitated; 
• feeling like you might pass out; 
• seizure (convulsions); 
• decreased night vision, tunnel vision, watery eyes, increased sensitivity to light; 
• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, fever, sore throat, flu symptoms; 
• nausea and stomach pain, skin rash, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); 
• high fever, stiff muscles, confusion, sweating, fast or uneven heartbeats, rapid breathing; 
• urinating less than usual or not at all; 
• joint pain or swelling with fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, chest pain, vomiting, unusual thoughts or behavior, and patchy skin color; or 
• slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, slow breathing (breathing may stop). 

Less serious side effects may include: 

• dizziness, drowsiness, anxiety; 
• breast swelling or discharge; 
• sleep problems (insomnia), strange dreams; 
• blurred vision, headache; 
• changes in your menstrual periods; 
• impotence, trouble having an orgasm; 
• weight gain, swelling in your hands or feet; 
• dry mouth or a stuffy nose; 
• constipation; or 
• mild itching or skin rash. 

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA. 

Notes: Dr. Nelson Crumfield

[Watch page ]

EditText of this page (last edited June 7, 2010)