Fluphenazine Description

Generic Name : FLUPHENAZINE

Pronunciation : (floo fen' a zeen)

Trade Name(s) : Anatensol Decanoate, Fludecan, Protinate

Why it is prescribed: Fluphenazine is a tranquilizer used to treat emotional and mental conditions

When it is to be taken: Fluphenazine usually is taken every six or eight hours. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully.

How it should be taken:
1. Fluphenazine comes in the form of tablets and oral liquid (elixir and concentrate).
2. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose.
3. You may obtain a specially marked measuring spoon to be sure of an accurate dose of the liquid.
4. Do not allow the liquid to touch your skin or clothing; it can cause skin irritation.
5. Dilute the concentrate in water, milk, or any fruit juice just before taking it.
6. Do not use beverages containing caffeine ( coffee, tea, and cola) or apple juice.

Special Instruction :
1. Fluphenazine can cause drowsiness. Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
2. Although fluphenazine is not habit-forming, do not stop taking it abruptly, especially if you have been taking it for along time. Your doctor probably will want to decrease your dose gradually.
3. Keep all appointments with your doctor. Your dose may need to be adjusted occasionally, especially when you first take this drug. You also should have eye examined periodically if you take fluphenazine for a long time.
4. Take the missed dose as soon as your remember and take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. However, if you remember a missed dose at the time you are scheduled to take the next dose take only the scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.

Side Effects :
1. Drowsiness. This effect usually disappears after you have taken fluphenazine for a few weeks.
2. Dry mouth. Suck sugarless hard candies.
3. Jaw, neck, and back muscle spasms; fine worm-like tongue movements; rhythmic face, mouth, or jaw movements; slow or difficult speech; difficulty swallowing; tremors; shuffling walk; drooling; inability to sit still; slow, jerky movements; nausea; headache; difficult or increased urination; depression; blurred vision; constipation; sore throat; fever; skin rash; yellow skin; weakness; contact your doctor.

Other Precautions :
1. Before you take fluphenazine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to aspirin or tartrazine;if you ever had a bad reaction to insulin, shock therapy, or any other tranquilizer; and if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
2. If you become pregnant, notify your doctor promptly.
3. Before you take fluphenazine, tell your doctor if you have heart, liver, or kidney disease; glaucoma; an enlarged prostate; difficult urinating; asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or lung disease; or a history of seizures.
4. Before taking fluphenazine, tell your doctor what prescription and non prescription medications you are taking, especially lithium, seizure medication, sedatives, sleeping pills, narcotics, muscle relaxants, antihistamines, and medication for depression, Parkinson's disease, hay fever, allergies or colds. Before having surgery including dental surgery, with a general anesthetic, tell the doctor that you take fluphenazine.
5. Fluphenazine can make your skin sensitive to sunlight. Stay out of the sun when possible and wear protective clothing, a sunscreen preparation, and sunglasses. Avoid exposure to extreme heat or cold.
6. Fluphenazine decreases your ability to regulate body temperature, resulting in overheating or severe chilling. Do not swim in extremely cold water.
7. Alcohol adds to the drowsiness caused by fluphenazine. Limit your consumption of alcoholic beverages.
8. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.

Storage Conditions : Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children. Store it at room temperature.