Fluphenazine
Introduction To Fluphenazine
Fluphenazine is used in the treatment of schizophrenia. It may also be used to treat depression and bipolar disorder. It alters the thoughts and elevates the mood, improving the person’s ability to think, feel and behave.
Fluphenazine is given as an injection under the supervision of a healthcare professional and should not be self-administered. Take it at the same time each day as this helps to maintain a consistent level of medicine in the body. Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor and if you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. This medication mustn't be stopped suddenly without talking to your doctor as it may worsen your symptoms.
Some common side effects of this injection include dry mouth, abnormality of voluntary movements, urinary retention, constipation, and muscle rigidity. Initially, this medicine may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure when you change positions, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down. It may also cause dizziness and sleepiness, do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you. This medicine can lead to weight gain, have a healthy balanced diet, and exercise regularly. You may also notice some injection site reactions such as pain, redness, or swelling. However, these are temporary and usually resolve on their own in some time. Please consult your doctor in case these do not subside or bother you.
Before taking it, inform your doctor if you are suffering from thyroid or kidney disease, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, glaucoma, or any heart disease. You should not take this medicine if you are under the influence of alcohol or any sleep-inducing, cough, and/ or allergy medication. This medicine can also lead to weight gain, eat a healthy balanced diet, avoid snacking with high- calorie food, and exercise regularly.
Uses of Fluphenazine
- Treatment of Schizophrenia
- Treatment of Depression
- Treatment of Bipolar disorder
Benefits of Fluphenazine
Treatment of Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder in which a person’s thinking ability,
feelings, and behavior become abnormal. Fluphenazine helps restore the chemical
imbalances in the brain that are responsible for such changes. It improves
thoughts, behavior and enhances the quality of life.
Treatment of Depression
Fluphenazine helps in maintaining the balance of certain chemicals in the brain
that affect mood and behavior. This improves your mood, relieves anxiety,
tension, helps you sleep better, and increases your energy levels. Fluphenazine
prevents extreme mood changes and helps you feel less agitated. You may
experience fewer episodes of depression and low mood.
Treatment of Bipolar disorder
Fluphenazine works to restore the normal balance of nerve activity in your
brain. It can help prevent extreme changes in mood and help you feel less
agitated. You may experience fewer episodes of low mood. It can take several
weeks for this medicine to work and you may still feel low during this time.
You should continue to eat well and keep fit to reduce symptoms of bipolar
disorder.
Side effects of Fluphenazine
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Medipax
- Abnormality of voluntary movements
- Constipation
- Dryness in mouth
- Increased prolactin level in blood
- Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness)
- Muscle stiffness
- Orthostatic hypotension (sudden lowering of blood pressure on standing)
- Sleepiness
- Tremors
- Urinary retention
- Weight gain
How to use Fluphenazine
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.
How Fluphenazine works
Fluphenazine is a typical antipsychotic. It works by blocking the action of dopamine, a chemical messenger in the brain that affects thoughts and mood.
Quick tips
-
It makes you feel sleepy. Do not drive or do anything requiring mental focus until you know how it affects you.
-
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Safety Advice
PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Fluphenazine if I’m pregnant?
Fluphenazine may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
BreastfeedingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Fluphenazine if I’m breastfeeding?
Fluphenazine is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby. If Fluphenazine is given, monitor the baby for excessive sleepiness.
AlcoholUNSAFE
Is drinking alcohol while taking Fluphenazine safe?
Fluphenazine may cause excessive drowsiness with alcohol.
DrivingUNSAFE
Can I drive after taking Fluphenazine?
Fluphenazine may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur. Caution is advised when driving or operating machinery.
KidneyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Fluphenazine if I have/had kidney diseases?
There is limited information available on the use of Fluphenazine in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor.
LiverCAUTION
Can I take Fluphenazine if I have/had liver diseases?
Fluphenazine should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Fluphenazine may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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