Flupenthixol
Brand names Depixol, Fluanxol.
Used in the following combined preparations None
General Information
Flupenthixol is an antipsychotic drug that is prescribed to treat schizophrenia and similar illnesses, and also used as an antidepressant for mild to moderate depression. The side effects of this drug are similar to those of phenothiazines, but flupenthixol is less sedating. It is not suitable for patients with mania as it may worsen symptoms.
The drug has fewer anticholinergic effects than the phenothiazines but is more likely to cause side effects such as parkinsonism. Control of severe symptoms may take up to six months, after which a lower maintenance dose is prescribed.
Quick Reference.
Drug group Antipsychotic drug.
Overdose danger rating Medium
Dependence rating Low
Prescription needed Yes
Available as generic No
Information for Users
Your drug prescription is tailored for you. Do not alter dosage without checking with your doctor.
How taken
Tablets, injection.
Frequency and timing of doses
1-2 x daily no later than 4 pm (tablets); every 2-4 weeks (injection).
Adult dosage range
Psychosis 6-18mg daily (tablets); 50mg every 4 weeks 300-400mg every 2 weeks (injection). Depression 1-3mg daily.
Onset of effect
10 days (side effects may appear much sooner).
Duration of action
Up to 12 hours (by mouth); 2-4 weeks (by injection).
Diet advice
None.
Storage
Store at room temperature out of the reach of children. Protect injections from light.
Missed dose
Take as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due within 2 hours, do not take the missed dose, but take your next scheduled dose as usual.
Stopping the drug
Do not stop taking the drug without consulting your doctor, who will supervise a gradual reduction in dosage. Abrupt cessation of the drug may cause withdrawal symptoms and a recurrence of the original problem.
Exceeding the dose
An occasional unintentional extra dose is unlikely to cause problems. Larger overdoses may cause severe drowsiness, fits, low blood pressure, high or low body temperature, or shock. Notify your doctor.
Possible Adverse Effects
The possible adverse effects of this drug are mainly the result of its anticholinergic action and its blocking action on the transmission of signals through the heart.
Interactions
Antiarrhythmic drugs
Taken with these drugs, flupenthixol may increase the risk of arrhythmias.
Anticholinergic drugs
Flupenthixol may increase the effects of these drugs.
Anticonvulsant drugs
Flupenthixol may reduce the effects of these drugs.
Sedatives
Flupenthixol enhances the effect of all sedative drugs.
Special Precautions
Be sure to tell your doctor if:
You have long-term liver or kidney problems.
You have heart problems,
You have had epileptic fits. You have thyroid disease.
You have Parkinson’s disease.
You have glaucoma.
You are taking other medications.
Pregnancy
Not usually prescribed. May cause lethargy in the baby during labour. Discuss with your doctor.
Breast-feeding
The drug passes into the breast milk and may affect the baby. Discuss with your doctor.
Infants and children
Not recommended.
Over 60
Reduced dose necessary. Increased risk of late-appearing movement disorders or confusion.
Driving and hazardous work
Avoid such activities until you have learned how flupenthixol affects you because the drug may cause drowsiness and slowed reactions.
Alcohol
Avoid. Flupenthixol enhances the sedative effect of alcohol.
Surgery and general anaesthetics
Treatment may need to be stopped before you have any surgery. Discuss this with your doctor or dentist.
Prolonged Use
The risk of late-appearing movement disorders increases as treatment with flupenthixol continues. Blood disorders, as well as jaundice and other liver disorders, are occasionally seen.
Monitoring Blood tests may be performed, particularly if there is persistent infection.
