Flupenthixol

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

Popular brand names:

Fluanxol (tabs), Fluanxol depot (injection)

Drug group:

Antipsychotic drug

Prescription needed?

Yes

What does it do?

Flupenthixol is an antipsychotic drug used to treat:

• Schizophrenia and similar illnesses
• Mild to moderate depression - occasionally used as an antidepressant

How should it be used?

Tablets should be taken no later than 4 pm

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

• Schizophrenia and other psychoses: tablets 6–18mg daily, injection every 2–4 weeks
• Depression: tablets only, 1–3mg daily

How quickly will it start to work?

10 days 
                                

How long will the effects last?

Up to 12 hours (tabs); 1–2 months (injection)   
      

When should I stop using it?

Do not stop abruptly, your doctor will gradually reduce your dose

Is it safe for prolonged use?

There is an increased risk of movement disorders, blood disorders, jaundice and other liver disorders with continued use of the drug.                                          

What are the possible side effects?

Side effects of flupenthixol may appear much sooner than the beneficial effects.

The following have been reported:

• More common: weight gain, nausea, drowsiness (but less sedating than phenothiazines), sexual dysfunction, breast growth, absent periods
• Less common: blurred vision, parkinsonism, tremor, palpitations, jaundice
• Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: jaundice, dizziness, fainting, confusion

OVERDOSE ACTION

Seek urgent medical care.

Large overdoses may cause severe drowsiness, seizures, low blood pressure, or shock.

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: Liver/ kidney/heart problems, epilepsy or seizures, Parkinson’s disease, glaucoma, porphyria, lactose intolerance
• Other medicines: antiarrhythmic drugs, some antibiotics (e.g. erythromycin and moxifloxacin), antihypertensive drugs, anticholinergic drugs, antiparkinson drugs, anticonvulsants, sedatives
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not usually prescribed
• Children: Not recommended
• Over 60: Reduced dose necessary, increased risk of movement disorders or confusion
• Driving and hazardous work: Caution, the drug can cause drowsiness and slowed reactions
• Alcohol: Avoid, enhanced sedative effects
• Surgery and general anaesthetics: Drug may need to be stopped, discuss with your doctor