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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Flupentixol depot injection

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Flupentixol depot injection


  • Flupentixol depot injection will be given to you by your doctor or nurse.
  • It may take a few weeks before you feel the full effect of flupentixol.
  • Important: if you experience 'flu-like' symptoms including stiffness, high temperature, abnormal paleness or racing heartbeat contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital immediately.

About flupentixol depot injection

Type of medicineAntipsychotic
Used forMaintenance of symptoms in schizophrenia and other mental health problems affecting thoughts, feelings and behaviours
Also calledDepixol®, Depixol Conc®, Depixol Low Volume®
Available asInjection

Flupentixol is used to treat mental health problem like schizophrenia, which affect the way you think, feel or behave. These problems are thought to be caused by over-activity of certain areas of the brain. Flupentixol works by blocking receptors in your brain to alter the activity in these areas, which helps to improve disturbed thoughts and behaviours.

Flupentixol depot injection is used for the maintenance of your symptoms. It is a long acting form of flupentixol that is injected into the muscles of your buttock or thigh. It lasts for between two and four weeks, so you do not need to remember to take tablets each day.

Before using flupentixol depot injection

Before using flupentixol depot injection make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have from a heart condition or blood vessel disease.
  • If you have liver or kidney problems.
  • If you have breathing problems.
  • If you have from Parkinson's disease.
  • If you have from diabetes.
  • If you have a condition called phaeochromocytoma (a tumour on your adrenal gland).
  • If you have epilepsy, myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease), prostate problems or glaucoma.
  • If you have ever had jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), porphyria (a rare blood disorder) or any other problems with your blood.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to use flupentixol depot injection

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Flupentixol will be given to you by your doctor or nurse.
  • If you haven't received an injection like flupentixol before, a small dose is usually given one week before your normal dose to test how well you tolerate the medicine.
  • If you have been treated with flupentixol tablets and you are being transferred to the injection, you may be asked to continue taking the tablets for several days after the first injection.
  • It can take a few weeks before you feel the full effect of flupentixol, and it may be between four and six months before you feel better. Your doctor will decide how long your treatment with flupentixol will last.
  • Your treatment will require careful monitoring to make sure that you get the best possible effect from flupentixol. Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be checked.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Suicidal thoughts may be associated with medicines like flupentixol. You may be at risk of such thoughts early in your treatment, if you have previously thought about harming yourself, or if you are a young adult. Tell your doctor straight away if you are having any thoughts of harming yourself.
  • Flupentixol may cause your skin to become more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen that protects against UVA light and has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, especially in strong sunlight or until you know how your skin reacts. Do not use sunbeds.
  • If you are having any dental treatment or an operation, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with flupentixol.

Can flupentixol depot injection cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Possible side-effectsWhat can I do if I experience this
Pain at injection siteThis should pass quickly
Drowsiness, dizziness, blurred visionMake sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert. Do not drink alcohol while you are being treated with flupentixol as it will increase drowsiness
HeadacheAsk your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller. If the headache continues, speak with your doctor
ConstipationDrink plenty of water and eat plenty of fruit and vegetables
Dry mouthTry chewing sugar-free gum or sucking sugar-free sweets
Difficulty passing urine, slow movements, difficulty sleeping, changes in moodDiscuss these with your doctor if any become troublesome

Important: If you experience 'flu-like' symptoms including stiffness, with a high temperature, confusion, abnormal paleness, a racing heartbeat, and sweating, contact your doctor immediately or go to your local accident and emergency department without delay.

Important: If you experience abnormal face or body movements, restlessness, or involuntary movements, discuss these with your doctor.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store flupentixol depot injection

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • If you suspect that you have had an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • Manufacturer's PIL, Depixol Injection®, Lundbeck Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated January 2010.
  • British National Formulary; 60th Edition (September 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2011DocID: 3681DocRef: dils3504Last Reviewed: 16 Mar 2011Version: 23
For the planned review period see the Data Creation and Quality Control Process.
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