Phenothiazine

Fluphenazine

Fluphenazine is an antipsychotic medication primarily used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and to manage dementia symptoms. It reduces hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. Available in various forms, including tablets, liquid, and long-acting injections, Fluphenazine helps improve mood, behavior, and mental clarity. While it is effective in managing psychiatric conditions, it requires careful monitoring due to potential side effects like tardive dyskinesia and neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

Product Overview

Fluphenazine is a potent antipsychotic drug extensively used to manage schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and symptoms associated with dementia. By blocking dopamine receptors in the brain, it effectively reduces symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thoughts, which are prevalent in these disorders. 

Available in multiple forms—oral tablets, elixir, oral concentrate, and injectable solutions—Fluphenazine offers flexible treatment options tailored to patient needs. The long-acting injectable form is particularly beneficial for ensuring consistent medication levels and improving adherence to treatment regimens.

Fluphenazine can cause serious side effects such as tardive dyskinesia and neuroleptic malignant syndrome, necessitating regular monitoring by healthcare professionals. Additionally, it may lead to elevated prolactin levels and significant interactions with other medications, highlighting the need for careful management in clinical use.

What Is the Drug Fluphenazine Used For?

• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar Disorder
• Dementia

What Are the Benefits of Taking Fluphenazine?

• Effectively treats symptoms of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.
• Helps reduce hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.
• Can improve mood, behavior, and mental clarity in patients with psychotic disorders.
• Available in multiple forms (oral tablets, liquid, long-acting injection) for flexible treatment options.
• Long-acting injectable form helps ensure consistent medication levels and improve treatment adherence.
• May help reduce anxiety and agitation associated with psychotic disorders.
• Generally well-tolerated when properly monitored and dosed.
• Has been used successfully in psychiatric treatment for many years.
• May help patients maintain stability and function better in daily life.

What Are the Side Effects of Fluphenazine?

Common Fluphenazine side effects may include:

• Constipation
• Sweating
• Blurred vision
• Dry mouth
• Loss of appetite
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Lethargy

[Note: This list is not exhaustive, if you notice any other symptoms that are not mentioned above, consult your doctor immediately.]

What Are the Forms & Strengths of Fluphenazine?

This drug is available in the following forms and strengths:

• • Tablets: 1 mg, 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg
  • Elixir: 2.5 mg per 5 mL
  • Oral Concentrate: 5 mg per mL

• Injectable Solutions:

• • Fluphenazine Decanoate: 25 mg per mL
  • Fluphenazine Hydrochloride: 2.5 mg per mL

What Is the Typical Dosage of Fluphenazine?

Dosage of Fluphenazine for Schizophrenia (Adults)

• Oral Tablets:

• • • Initial Dose: Start with 2.5 mg to 10 mg per day, divided into smaller doses.
    • Maintenance Dose: Adjust as needed; typical daily doses range from 1 mg to 40 mg.

• Injectable (Fluphenazine Decanoate):

• • Initial Dose: 12.5 mg to 25 mg injected into a muscle every 2 to 3 weeks.
  • Maintenance Dose: May vary; some may need up to 100 mg every 3 to 4 weeks.

Dosage of Fluphenazine for Acute Psychosis

• Oral Tablets:

• • • Dosage: 2.5 mg to 10 mg per day in divided doses, adjusted based on symptom severity.

• Injectable (Fluphenazine Hydrochloride):

• • Dosage: Start with 2.5 mg to 10 mg; injections may be repeated every 4 to 6 hours as required.

Dosage of Fluphenazine for Elderly Patients

• Dosage Guidance: Begin with lower doses due to increased sensitivity to side effects; adjust carefully.

How to Take Fluphenazine?

• Always take Fluphenazine as your doctor prescribes. Do not alter or stop the dosage without consulting your doctor.
• Fluphenazine can be taken with or without food, but taking it with food may help reduce stomach upset.
• Swallow the tablets or liquid whole. Do not crush, chew, or split the tablets unless your doctor says it’s okay.
• Since Fluphenazine can make you dizzy or drowsy, avoid driving or using machinery until you know how it affects you.
• Drink plenty of fluids and eat fiber-rich foods to prevent constipation.
• Regular blood tests and health monitoring are recommended to check your response to the medication.

What to Do When You Miss a Dose of Fluphenazine?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

[Note: Do not take two doses of Fluphenazine at the same time to compensate for a missed dose. This can increase your risk of experiencing side effects.]

What Happens When You Overdose on Fluphenazine?

An overdose of Fluphenazine is serious and can be life-threatening. If you think you’ve taken too much, seek immediate medical help. 

[Note: If you notice you have taken too much medication, call your local emergency number immediately.]

How Does Fluphenazine Work?

Fluphenazine is an antipsychotic drug that works by blocking dopamine in the brain, which helps reduce symptoms of psychosis like hallucinations and delusions. It also has effects that can calm agitation and anxiety in psychiatric conditions.

What Are the Important Safety Precautions of Fluphenazine?

• Elderly with Dementia: Not for treating psychosis in dementia patients over 65 due to increased risk of death.
• Movement Disorders: May cause tardive dyskinesia with uncontrollable facial movements; consult your doctor if symptoms arise.
• Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome: Watch for symptoms like high fever and muscle stiffness; seek immediate medical help.
• White Blood Cells: Can reduce white blood cell count, affecting infection resistance; report frequent infections or fevers.
• Increased Prolactin: Monitor for signs like nipple discharge or menstrual changes due to elevated prolactin levels.
• Pregnancy Risks: Use only if benefits outweigh risks; potential withdrawal effects in newborns.
• Allergies: Inform your doctor about any allergies to Fluphenazine or similar medications.
• Medical History: Disclose history of brain issues, blood disorders, liver/kidney disease, heart problems, seizures, and more.
• Surgery and Tests: Inform healthcare providers about all medications before surgery or tests.
• Impairment Risks: May impair alertness; avoid driving or operating machinery if affected.
• Substance Interactions: Alcohol and cannabis can worsen dizziness or drowsiness.
• Sun and Heat Sensitivity: Limit sun exposure and stay cool to avoid heat-related issues.
• Cold Exposure: Avoid extreme cold to prevent hypothermia.

How Do You Store Fluphenazine?

• Keep Fluphenazine at room temperature.
• Store it in a dark container.
• Place Fluphenazine in a dry location.
• When not in use, ensure the medication container or bottle is tightly sealed to keep out air and moisture, and to avoid contamination.

What Drugs Interact with Fluphenazine?

• Lithium
• Anticholinergic drugs
• Centrally-acting drugs
• Levodopa
• Drugs that prolong the QT interval
• Alcohol
• Antihypertensive medications
• Antiepileptic drugs

[Note: This list of interactions isn’t complete. Talk to your doctor if you notice any interaction with food, over-the-counter drugs, prescriptions or supplements.]

What Are the Fluphenazine Alternatives?

• Geodon (ziprasidone)
• Trilafon (perphenazine)
• Seroquel (quetiapine)
• Abilify (aripiprazole)
• Lamictal (lamotrigine)
• Risperdal (risperidone)
• Thorazine (chlorpromazine)
• Zyprexa (olanzapine)
• Depakene, Depakote (valproic acid)
• Haldol (haloperidol)
• Lithobid (lithium)
• Eskalith (lithium)
• Clozaril (clozapine)
• Carbatrol (carbamazepine)
• Tegretol (carbamazepine)
• Stelazine (trifluoperazine)

[Note: Your healthcare provider will choose which Fluphenazine alternative is best for you. Taking or consuming them by yourself may cause serious side effects.]

Fluphenazine Cost & Coupons

Manage your mental health without the high costs typically associated with medications in the U.S. Purchase Fluphenazine online from Canada via Arctic Meds to access it at substantially reduced rates. We help patients find affordable solutions for their healthcare needs. Utilize the Fluphenazine coupon code “ARCTIC10” at checkout for an additional 10% off your first order. Join our referral program for further savings, potentially reducing your medication expenses by up to $200, making your healthcare journey both effective and economical.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is fluphenazine a mood stabilizer?

Fluphenazine is an antipsychotic drug primarily used to treat schizophrenia. While effective in managing symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations, it is not classified as a mood stabilizer. Notably, fluphenazine can cause side effects including movement disorders and mood depression.

Does fluphenazine make you gain weight?

Weight gain can be a side effect of fluphenazine, although it is less likely compared to other antipsychotics. To minimize the chance of gaining weight, maintain a balanced diet and exercise regularly.

How long does it take for fluphenazine to work?

Fluphenazine can take several weeks to show its full effects, although some initial improvements might be noticed sooner. It works by helping to clear your thoughts and improve mood, social interactions, and reduce involuntary movements.

Does fluphenazine make you sleepy?

Fluphenazine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. It’s important not to drive or operate machinery until you know how it affects you. Be cautious when standing or sitting up quickly, especially if you are an older adult, to avoid the risk of fainting or feeling dizzy.

What to avoid when taking fluphenazine?

While taking fluphenazine, you should avoid alcohol as it can intensify certain side effects such as uncontrollable movements, agitation, and severe dizziness. These reactions can lead to serious complications like seizures, fainting, or irregular heartbeats.

How fast does fluphenazine work?

Fluphenazine doesn’t work immediately. It generally takes between 1 to 3 days to begin noticing effects, and up to 4 days to feel the full impact. If you are dealing with severe symptoms like agitation, your doctor may prescribe a faster-acting medication in the meantime.

Our Guarantee

At Arctic Meds, we guarantee that you will find the most competitive prices to buy Fluphenazine through our platform. As the best Canadian online pharmacy, we are committed to delivering only the highest quality products. Each order is fulfilled through a reputable and licensed Canada pharmacy online, ensuring that every product we ship meets stringent standards of quality and authenticity. Our reliable service ships your medications directly from Canada right to your doorstep. To seamlessly buy Fluphenazine online from Canada at a low price, contact us.