Flupentixol is used to treat schizophrenia (a long-term mental disorder that causes changes in thoughts, feelings, and behaviour) and other mood disorders. It helps relieve symptoms of mood disorders, such as distorted thinking and emotional instability.
Flupentixol injection is to be given intramuscularly (into the muscles, usually into the muscles of the thigh or buttocks).
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of treatment depending on the severity of your condition and your response to the medication.
It is important that you continue with the injections even when you feel well. Do not stop using Flupentixol injection suddenly as this may worsen your condition.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Flupentixol.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- feeling less alert than usual, drowsy or sleepy due to any cause e.g. alcohol intoxication, taking certain medicines
- serious blood circulation problems
- feeling excited or agitated
as Flupentixol may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- bowel obstruction caused by slow movement or paralysis of the intestines
- urinary retention (inability to completely empty the bladder when urinating)
- prostate enlargement
- dry mouth
- glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
- heart problems
- myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
- Parkinson's disease (disorder that affects the movement of a person, causing symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement and impaired balance or walking)
- phaeochromocytoma (rare tumour of the adrenal gland causing high blood pressure)
- thyroid problem
- epilepsy (fits or seizures) or risk factors for fits e.g. brain injury, head trauma
- conditions predisposing to fits or seizures e.g. brain damage, alcoholism
- kidney disease
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Flupentixol to the elderly especially elderly patients. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Flupentixol is not intended for the treatment of elderly with dementia-related psychosis.
Notify your doctor if you have recently undergone electroshock therapy (also known as electroconvulsive therapy or ECT).
If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are using Flupentixol.
Medicines for depression such as Flupentixol may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviour. As depression and some psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with an increased risk of suicide, it is important for you or your family members to monitor your condition especially at the start of treatment and if your dosage is still being adjusted. If you experience new or sudden changes in mood, behaviour, thoughts or feelings or a worsening of your depression with suicidal thoughts or attempts, harm to self or harm to others, contact your doctor immediately.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver and kidney function, cholesterol, sugar, or electrolyte levels, eye examination) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring for signs of suicidal thoughts or unusual changes in behaviour and involuntary movements may also be needed.
What lifestyle changes should I make?
Flupentixol may affect the ability of your body to adjust to temperature changes in the environment. Avoid exposure to very cold or very hot environments. Avoid strenuous exercise and activities like going to the sauna. Drink more water to prevent dehydration.
Flupentixol may cause drowsiness or blurred vision. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.
This medicine may cause your blood pressure to fall suddenly when you get up from a sitting or lying down position and you may feel giddy. To minimise this problem, stand up slowly.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, dry mouth, constipation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, increased appetite, weight gain, excessive sweating, tremors, restlessness, and tiredness.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- having thoughts of self-harm
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour)
- fever, persistent sore throat, mouth ulcers, unusual tiredness
- uncontrolled muscle movements of your body or face, such as sticking out of the tongue, smacking of the lips
- chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath; pain, swelling and tenderness in your leg accompanied by redness and warmth
- unusual bleeding or bruising; frequent and persistent sore throat with fever
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other medicines for mood disorders e.g. lithium, thioridazine
- medicines for irregular heartbeat e.g. quinidine, dofetilide, amiodarone, sotalol
- certain antibiotics e.g. moxifloxacin, erythromycin
- medicines for high blood pressure e.g. guanethidine, clonidine, doxazosin, methyldopa
- medicines used to treat Parkinson's disease e.g. levodopa, bromocriptine, amantadine
- metoclopramide (medicine for nausea or vomiting)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Flupentixol.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are using any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol intake may worsen the dizziness and drowsiness caused by Flupentixol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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