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Fluphenazine Antidepressant : Permitil® Oral

Brand Name : Permitil® Oral

Fluphenazine is a typical antipsychotic drug used for the treatment of psychoses such as schizophrenia and acute manic phases of bipolar depression. It belongs to the piperazine class of phenothiazines and is extremely potent; more potent than haloperidol and around fifty to seventy times the potency of chlorpromazine. Fluphenazine is in a class of drugs called phenothiazines. It works by changing the actions of chemicals in the brain. FLUPHENAZINE (Prolixin®, Prolixin Enanthate®, Prolixin Decanoate®) helps to treat disordered thoughts and some other emotional, nervous, and mental problems. Generic fluphenazine injections are available. Not all fluphenazine injections are the same, do not change the brand you are using without your prescriber's advice.

Uses of Fluphenazine

• Fluphenazine is used to treat psychotic disorders.
• Fluphenazine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
• This medication is used to treat symptoms of certain types of mental or emotional conditions.
• Fluphenazine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
• Some of the benefits of continued use of this medication include reduced episodes of hallucinations, delusions, or bizarre behaviors that occur in patients with schizophrenia.
  

How to Take Fluphenazine

• Take fluphenazine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
• Fluphenazine can be taken with or without food.
• Mix the concentrate with 4 ounces of water, orange juice, or grapefruit juice.
• Do not mix the liquid with coffee, tea, cola, grape, or apple juice.
• Fluphenazine is also available as an injection. Your doctor, nurse, or healthcare provider will give you detailed instructions regarding preparation and administration of the injection.

What are the Side Effects of Fluphenazine Medication

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking fluphenazine and seek emergency medical treatment or contact your doctor immediately:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives)
• uncontrollable movements of the tongue, face, lips, arms, or legs
• muscle spasms of the face or neck
• severe restlessness or tremor
• severe drowsiness or fainting
• a rash.

Warnings and precautions before taking Fluphenazine Medication

• Before taking fluphenazine decanoate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other phenothiazines (e.g., chlorpromazine, perphenazine); or to sesame oil; or to benzyl alcohol; or if you have any other allergies.
• This medication should not be given to patients who are unconscious.
• This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: brain damage, severe nervous system problems (severe CNS depression).
• Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: blood problems (e.g., leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis), liver problems, breast cancer, eye problems (e.g., glaucoma), heart problems (e.g., very high or very low blood pressure, mitral valve insufficiency), kidney problems, certain types of tumors (pheochromocytoma), seizures, exposure to phosphorus insecticides, chronic breathing problems (e.g., asthma, emphysema, frequent infections), low blood calcium, enlarged prostate, drug or alcohol dependency, Reye's syndrome, other nervous system problems (e.g., cerebrovascular insufficiency, brain tumors, encephalitis, encephalopathy), dehydration.
• Before having surgery or any diagnostic testing, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking fluphenazine decanoate.
• This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or may cause blurred vision. Use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness or clear vision such as driving or using machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages because they may increase the risk of side effects.

What drugs may interact with Fluphenazine Tablet

Barbiturates lower the level of fluphenazine in the blood. The blood pressure drugs known as beta-blockers tend to decrease the level of fluphenazine in the blood. Bromocriptine, a drug used for Parkinson's disease, also lowers the level of fluphenazine in the blood. Conversely, antimalarial drugs can increase the level of fluphenazine in the blood.

The combination of fluphenazine with the drugs known as cyclic antidepressants lowers the concentrations of both drugs in the blood. Fluphenazine inhibits the blood pressure-lowering effects of the drug called guanadrel. Levodopa, a drug given to patients with Parkinson disease, is less effective when combined with fluphenazine. The combination of fluphenazine with meperidine can cause very low blood pressure and significant depression of the central nervous system. The use of the muscle relaxant, orphenadrine, can lower the effective levels of fluphenazine in the blood.

What to do if you take Overdose of Fluphenazine ?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected. Symptoms of a fluphenazine overdose include:

• uncontrollable movements
• agitation
• seizures
• severe dizziness or fainting
• coma
• very deep sleep
• irregular heartbeats
• high or low body temperature.

How to Store Fluphenazine ?

• Store at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Store in the oral liquid in the refrigerator; do not freeze.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children