Fluanxol

• Schizophrenia: Used for treatment of schizophrenia and other psychoses, particularly with apathy and withdrawal but not mania or psychomotor hyperactivity.
• Depression: Used for short-term symptomatic treatment of mild to moderate depression (with or without anxiety).

Flupentixol is a low dose neuroleptic of the thioxanthene group. In low doses (up to 3 mg/day) flupentixol has an anxiolytic, antidepressive and mood stabilizing effect and certain activating properties. It acts mainly through a blockage of central monoamine receptors, especially in the dopaminergic system.

Adult Dose (Oral):

• Psychoses: Initial: 3-9 mg bid, adjusted according to response; Max: 18 mg daily.
• Depression (with/without anxiety): Initial: 1 mg daily; after 1 week increased to 2 mg daily; Max: 3 mg daily (last dose not later than 4 p.m.).

Adult Dose (IM):

• Psychoses (Decanoate): Initial: 20 mg test dose; after 7 days, 20-40 mg every 2-4 weeks; Maintenance: 50 mg every 4 weeks to 300 mg every 2 weeks.

Elderly Dose: Initial dose: ¼ or ½ of the usual initial dose.

Common Side Effects:

• Sleepiness
• Orthostatic hypotension
• Dry mouth
• Abnormality of voluntary movements
• Weight gain
• Increased prolactin level in blood
• Urinary retention
• Constipation
• Muscle stiffness
• Tremor

Use in Pregnancy: May be unsafe; animal studies have shown harmful effects; doctor will weigh benefits and potential risks.

Precautions:

• Flupenthixol may decrease alertness, affect vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy; do not drive if these symptoms occur.
• Take at bedtime to avoid feeling sleepy during the day.
• Avoid alcohol (can make drowsiness worse).
• Inform doctor if any abnormal movements, particularly of the face, lips, jaw and tongue occur.
• May increase weight, blood sugar and cholesterol; monitor regularly.
• Don't stop taking without talking to your doctor first.
• Caution in hepatic, renal, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular or respiratory disease.

Overdose: Symptoms of intoxication by melitracen (anticholinergic nature) dominate; gastric lavage and activated charcoal; support respiratory and cardiovascular systems; do not use adrenaline; treat convulsions with diazepam and extrapyramidal symptoms with biperiden.

Storage: Store at a temperature not exceeding 30 degree C in a dry place. Protect from light. Keep out of reach of children.