Flupenthixol
Description
Flupenthixol is an antipsychotic drug used for the treatment of conditions such as schizophrenia and depression. This medicine is not recommended for use in patients less than 18 years of age.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Flupenthixol
- Restlessness
- Shaikness
- Changes in weight
- Drowsiness or sleepiness
- Decreased interest in sexual intercourse
Uses of Flupenthixol
What is it prescribed for?
- Schizophrenia
- Depression
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe effect of this medicine is cumulative and it usually takes 1 to 3 days before symptom improvement can be seen.
- Duration of effectOral forms: The effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 8 to 12 hours. Injection (depot): The effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 2 to 4 weeks.
- Safe with alcohol?Consumption of alcohol is not recommended during treatment with this medicine due to the increased risk of serious adverse effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, difficulty with concentration and memory, impaired thinking and judgment, etc.
- Is it habit forming?No habit forming tendency has been reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before receiving/taking this medicine. Your doctor may prescribe a safer alternative based on your clinical condition.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before receiving/taking this medicine. Your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding or to discontinue the drug based on your clinical condition. Alternatively, your doctor may prescribe a safer alternative based on your clinical condition.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to flupenthixol, any other thioxanthenes, or any other inactive ingredients present along with this medicine.
Severe Depression
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients suffering from severe depression and requiring hospitalization.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before receiving/taking this medicine. Your doctor may prescribe a safer alternative based on your clinical condition.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before receiving/taking this medicine. Your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding or to discontinue the drug based on your clinical condition. Alternatively, your doctor may prescribe a safer alternative based on your clinical condition.
General warnings
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
This medicine should be used with extreme caution due to the increased risk of neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Report any symptoms such as an increased heart rate, increased breathing rate, fever, changes in mood or behavior, etc. to the doctor immediately. Close monitoring of clinical condition, appropriate patient/caregiver counseling, dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Other coexisting diseases
This medicine may affect the treatment of many other diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, lung diseases, kidney diseases, liver diseases, etc. It is advised that you report to the doctor all your past medical history as well as your current medical conditions before beginning treatment with this medicine.
Driving or Operating machinery
This medicine may cause symptoms such as weakness, drowsiness, sleepiness, dizziness, etc. in some patients. It is advised that you do not perform any activities such as driving a vehicle or operating heavy machinery if you experience any of these symptoms during treatment with this medicine.
Missed Dose
Oral forms: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, then the missed dose should be skipped. Do not use extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.
Injections: If you missed a scheduled appointment for a dose of this medicine, contact your doctor immediately for further instructions.
Overdose
Oral forms: Contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical intervention if an overdose is suspected. Symptoms of overdose may include sleepiness, extreme restlessness, excitement, confusion, coma, convulsions, increased body temperature, etc.
Injections: Since this medicine is usually administered by a qualified healthcare professional in the clinical/hospital setting, the likelihood of an overdose is very low. However, emergency medical treatment will be initiated by your doctor if an overdose is suspected.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
N/A
Instructions
Consumption of alcohol is not recommended during treatment with this medicine due to the increased risk of serious adverse effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, difficulty with concentration and memory, impaired thinking and judgment, etc.
Interaction with Medicine
Levodopa
Phenobarbital
Metoclopramide
Disease interactions
Parkinson's disease
This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients suffering from Parkinson's disease due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Close monitoring of the patient's clinical condition, appropriate dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary in some cases.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Oral forms: Take this medicine as instructed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts than advised.
Injections: This medicine is usually administered in the hospital/clinical setting by a qualified healthcare professional.
Consult the doctor if you experience any undesirable side effects. Ensure that the treatment course is completed. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Miscelleneous
How it works
It blocks the actions of certain natural substances that are responsible for causing symptoms associated with schizophrenia and depression.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Antipsychotics
Schedule
Schedule H
[Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2018 [cited 26 July 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2018 [cited 26 July 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Lundbeck.com. 2018 [cited 26 July 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Merseycare.nhs.uk. 2018 [cited 26 July 2018]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 2 Aug 2018
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.