Flupentixol

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This particular medication is a neuroleptic and typical antipsychotic drug. It is a thioxanthene, and therefore closely related to the phenothiazines. Flupentixol (previously flupenthixol in UK) is a anti-psychotic drug that is prescribed to treat Schizophrenia particularly with apathy and withdrawal which is a mental illness with symptoms such as hearing, seeing or sensing things that are not there, mistaken beliefs and problems dealing with other people as as well as other similar illnesses. Flupentixol can also be used to treat mild to moderate depression. Flupentixol has a less sedating effect than the likes of phenothiazines.

Flupentixol dihydrochloride can affect the way the body controls its own temperature, leading to temperatures that are too high or too low. Elderly people, or people with hypothyroidism (a deficiency of thyroid hormone), have an increased risk of developing hypothermia , where the body temperature drops significantly below normal. It would not be recommended for people who suffer from mania or psychomotor hyperactivity; as it may have a worsening effect.

The typical antipsychotics are less commonly used now that the atypical antipsychotics are available and come with less side effects. However, flupentixol is useful in patients who are likely to be non-compliant.

Quick Guide

• Antipsychotic danger of overdose – MEDIUM.
• Dependency is said to be – LOW.
• Prescription only drug – YES.
• Available as generic – NO. (generic drugs, short: generics) is a drug which is produced and distributed without patent protection.
• Alcohol Avoidance – YES.
• Alcohol may increase sedative effect of flupentixol.

Side Effects

You may if on this medication suffer one or more of these side effects, in the initial stages. However, you may find you do not suffer any at all, as it does not follow that being on this medication will cause unwanted adverse effects.

Common: Blurred vision, confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, fainting, nausea, palpitations, Parkinsonism, tremor, weight gain
Rare: Epileptic fits, jaundice, rash, sore throat, persistent infection.

The manufacturers of Depixol recommend you Stop taking Depixol and seek medical advice immediately if you have any of the following allergic reactions:

• Difficulty in breathing, Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat which causes difficulty in swallowing or breathing, Severe itching of the skin (with raised lumps), Blood clots in the veins especially in the legs (symptoms include swelling, pain and redness in the leg), which may travel through blood vessels to the lungs causing chest pain and difficulty in breathing.

If you notice any of these symptoms seek medical advice immediately.

The side effects listed here are the most common and rare problems reported by patients using this Flupentixol. It may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug’s manufacturer. If common side effects persist you need to inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you suffer any of the rare or some other side effects not listed here. For total peace of mind, seek information from your doctor or chemist.

Prolonged Use

Blood disorders as well as jaundice and other liver disorders, are occasionally seen. Movement disorders may appear with time. Blood test may be taken if there turns out to be persistent infection.

Driving, Hazardous Work & Alcohol

Avoid alcohol as this drug will increased the sedative side of alcohol. Until you know how this drug will effect you it would be best to avoid driving, ect as this drug may cause drowsiness and slow your reactions.

Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding

Most medication, in some way, can affect the development of a baby in the womb. The effect on the baby differs between medicines and also depends on the stage of pregnancy reached when you take the medicine.

Discuss both pregnancy and breast feeding with your doctor. This medicine is not suitable during pregnancy. It is very important that you seek urgent medical advice if you become pregnant or think you have become pregnant while taking this medicine.

Flupentixol is classified as a pregnancy Category C medicine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Category C… Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

Surgery and Dental Treatment

Discuss with your doctor or dentist as treatment may need to be stopped, before surgery.

Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist

You should tell your doctor if you have a current health problem. For example: heart disease, kidney problems, if you are pregnant or you intend to become pregnant, or if you think you may be at risk from drug treatment for any other reason. Some types of medication can cause serious adverse effects when taken side by side so it is important to tell your doctor of any other medication you are already taking. This should also include any over-the-counter medication. For example: Painkillers, cold remedies, herbal and complimentary / alternative medication.

Over 60’s & Children

A reduced dose may need to be given for the over 60′s, as there is a risk of confusion and movement disorders may later appear. Not recommended for children or infants.

Overdose

If for what ever reason you find you have unintentionally taken an extra dose it would be unlikely to give reason for concern. However, if you notice any unusual symptoms or you or someone you know has taken a large overdose you should notify your doctor immediately.

Failing this go to your nearest accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Take the container with you. This will help the hospital staff identify what has been taken and work towards given the right kind of help without delay.

Overdose symptoms may include: severe drowsiness, low blood-pressure, fits, shock, high or low body temperature.

Other Medication Reactions

If you are taking more than one type of medicine *(see below) there is a possibility they may interact with each other. There may be times when your doctor/health care professional may decide to use medicines that interact, in other cases this may not be appropriate. The decision to use medicines that interact depends on your individual circumstances. if your doctor believes that the benefits of taking the medicines together outweigh the risks, in such cases, it may be necessary to alter your dose or monitor you more closely.

Medicines that may interact with Flupentixol dihydrochloride:

• adrenergic blocking agents
• alpha-blockers
• antiarrhythmics
• anticholinergic agents
• anticoagulants
• anticonvulsants
• antihistamines
• antiparkinsonian agents
• barbiturates
• corticosteroids
• general anaesthetics
• macrolides
• medicines which depress the Central Nervous System
• neuromuscular blockers
• quinolones
• sympathomimetics
• thiazide diuretics
• tricyclic antidepressants
• vasodilators

This list may not be exhaustive. Flupentixol dihydrochloride is not suitable for everyone and some people should never use it. While others, use it with caution. You should make sure your doctor or health care professional is fully aware of your medical history before they prescribe this medicine for you.

According to the manufactures of Depixol The following medicines should not be taken at the same time as Depixol Tablets:
Medicines that change the heartbeat (quinidine, amiodarone, sotalol, dofetilide, erythromycin, moxifloxacin, cisapride, lithium) and Other antipsychotic medicines.

Missed A Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue the regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you miss an injection, contact you nurse or doctor as soon as you remember.

Reducing or Stopping Medication

It is important that you do not stop taking this drug without consulting your doctor. It may lead to a worsening of your condition.

Effect Of Medication

The adverse effects of this medication may be the first thing noticed, as it may take 10 days before the benefit is felt. The effects may last for up to 12 hours or 2 to 4 weeks depending on how the drug is administered.

Safety aAnd Storage

• Never take more than the original dosage prescribed by your doctor.
• If your due to have treatment like an operation or dental work tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
• When you buy any medicines over-the-counter check with the pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
• Never take Flupentixol if it has past the expiry date shown on the box or container.
• Do not store medication above a temperature of 25°C or above a working area where high condensation may exits.
• Keep Flupentixol in its original container, in a cool dry place, away from the reach and eye sight of children.
• Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Do not discard old or unwanted drugs into your trash, sink or toilet.
• Return all unused or old medicines/drugs to your pharmacist. who will dispose of them safely. without causing unwanted effects to our inviroment.

If Flupentixol has been prescribed for you never allow anyone else to use it, even if you know or others feel their symptom are similar to your own.

Do not leave your doctors surgery until you have a clear understanding of what the drug your doctor has prescribed for you does, and why you have been prescribed it. It is common for people who do not understand the reason behind there treatment to take their medication correctly.