Fluanxol (Flupenthixol)

Do's

• Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions exactly regarding dosage, frequency, and duration of use.
• Take Fluanxol solution with a full glass of water.
• Measure the medication accurately using the provided measuring dropper.
• Tell your healthcare provider about ALL medications you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies, and supplements. This helps avoid potential interactions.
• Inform your healthcare provider about any medical conditions you have, including heart problems, liver or kidney disease, seizures, or mental health conditions.
• Be aware of potential side effects and report any that become bothersome or persistent to your healthcare provider.
• Avoid alcohol consumption while using Fluanxol as it can worsen side effects.
• Use caution when driving or operating machinery as Fluanxol may cause drowsiness or dizziness.

Don'ts

• Do not exceed the recommended dosage or take Fluanxol solution more often than prescribed.
• Do not stop taking the Fluanxol solution abruptly without consulting your healthcare provider.
• Do not share Fluanxol solutions with others.
• Do not use Fluanxol if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless specifically directed by your healthcare provider.
• Do not operate heavy machinery or drive if you experience dizziness or drowsiness.

Common Side Effects:

• Sleepiness
• Orthostatic hypotension (sudden lowering of blood pressure on standing)
• Dryness in mouth
• Mild gastrointestinal upset
• Abdominal cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Skin rash or itching
• General malaise
• Respiratory difficulty due to bronchospasm

Serious Side Effects:

• Serious allergic reaction (symptoms may include swelling of the face, lips, mouth, or throat, which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing, or hives)
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome: high fever, sweating, muscle stiffness, faster breathing, confusion, and drowsiness. This is a very rare but serious side effect that requires immediate medical attention and discontinuation of treatment.
• Signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat
• Other serious side effects may include changes in consciousness, especially in conjunction with fast heart rate and sweating. These are very serious side effects that may require urgent medical attention or hospitalization.

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Fluanxol,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Fluanxol can cause drowsiness and sedation. Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Fluanxol affects you.

Fluanxol can worsen symptoms of depression, such as suicidal thoughts or feelings. If you experience these symptoms, be sure to tell your healthcare provider right away.

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, seizures, or a history of TD or NMS.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Fluanxol can interact with other medications, so it is important to tell your healthcare provider about everything you are taking.

Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Fluanxol can cause problems in newborns if it is taken during pregnancy.

Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding. It is not known if Fluanxol passes into breast milk, but it is possible that it could harm a nursing baby.

Fluanxol can cause tardive dyskinesia (TD), a condition that causes involuntary, repetitive movements of the face, tongue, or other parts of the body. The risk of TD increases with the length of time you take Fluanxol and the dose you take.

Fluanxol can cause neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a rare but life-threatening condition that can cause fever, muscle stiffness, confusion, and other symptoms.

Fluanxol can cause low blood pressure, especially when you first start taking it or when you increase the dose. This can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.