Fluphenazine Hcl

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

There may be a slightly increased risk of serious, possibly fatal side effects (such as heart failure, fast/irregular heartbeat, pneumonia) when this medication is used by older adults with dementia. This medication is not approved for the treatment of dementia-related behavior problems. Discuss the risks and benefits of this medication, as well as other effective and possibly safer treatments for dementia-related behavior problems, with the doctor.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 1 to 4 times daily. The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.

Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

It may take up to two weeks for the full benefit of this medication to take effect. Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.

Before taking fluphenazine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other phenothiazines (such as chlorpromazine, perphenazine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: brain damage, nervous system problems (such as CNS depression, cerebrovascular insufficiency, brain tumors, encephalitis, encephalopathy), blood problems (such as leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis), liver problems, breast cancer, eye problems (such as glaucoma), heart problems (such as very high or very low blood pressure, mitral valve insufficiency), kidney problems, a certain adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma), seizures, exposure to phosphorus insecticides, chronic breathing problems (such as asthma, emphysema, frequent infections), low blood calcium, enlarged prostate, drug or alcohol dependency, Reye's syndrome, dehydration.

Before having surgery or any diagnostic testing, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness.

This medication may make you sweat less, making you more likely to get heat stroke. Avoid doing things that may cause you to overheat, such as hard work or exercise in hot weather, or using hot tubs. When the weather is hot, drink a lot of fluids and dress lightly. If you overheat, quickly look for a place to cool down and rest. Get medical help right away if you have a fever that does not go away, mental/mood changes, headache, or dizziness.

Avoid being exposed to very cold temperatures (such as swimming in cold water). Severe lowering of your body temperature may occur.

Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially the side effect of uncontrolled movements. This is especially true if the child is sick (such as has chickenpox, measles, stomach flu).

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially to facial or muscle twitching, muscle spasms/stiffness, uncontrolled movements (tardive dyskinesia), drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion, and possible effects on blood pressure. Drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, and confusion can increase the risk of falling.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Liver problems or birth defects may occur in infants exposed to this type of medication in the womb. Tell the doctor right away if you notice yellowing of the eyes/skin or dark urine in your infant. Babies born to mothers who have used this drug during the last 3 months of pregnancy may rarely develop symptoms including muscle stiffness or shakiness, drowsiness, feeding/breathing difficulties, or constant crying. If you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn especially during their first month, tell the doctor right away.

Since untreated mental/mood problems (such as schizophrenia) can be a serious condition, do not stop taking this medication unless directed by your doctor. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, immediately discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. However, similar drugs pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug are: guanadrel, guanethidine, lithium.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine).

Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.

This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as pregnancy test, phenylketonuria test, some urine tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: loss of consciousness, seizures, fast/irregular heartbeat, or slow/shallow breathing.

Do not share this medication with others.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as liver/kidney function, complete blood counts, eye exams, AIMS test) should be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

If you are taking this medication once daily and you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

If you are taking this medication more than once daily and you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is more than 1 hour after the missed dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.