Flupentixol

About flupentixol

This belongs to the group of medicines known as neuroleptics.

Flupentixol is used to treat mild to moderate depression. It is also used to treat mental illness with symptoms such as hearing, seeing or sensing things that are not there, mistaken beliefs and problems dealing with other people.

Flupentixol is available in tablet and injection form.

Flupentixol is sometimes written as flupenthixol. You may notice either spelling on the package of your medicine.

It is also sometimes known as: Fluanxol; Depixol; Depixol Low Volume; Depixol-Conc. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before taking flupentixol

Before taking flupentixol make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from any heart problems
• if you suffer from liver, kidney or breathing problems
• if you suffer from Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, depression, myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease), prostate problems, porphyria (a blood disorder), phaeochromocytoma (a growth on the adrenal glands) or glaucoma
• if you have ever suffered from jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
• if you suffer from postural hypotension (if you become dizzy when getting up from a sitting or lying position)
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines

How to take flupentixol

• Always read the manufacturer’s information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Take flupentixol exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Try to get into the habit of taking flupentixol at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
• You may have to take flupentixol for several weeks before you feel the full effect.
• Do not stop taking these tablets without first speaking with your doctor. Your doctor will probably want to reduce the dose you are taking gradually, as stopping treatment suddenly can cause problems.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of flupentixol contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any ‘over-the-counter’ medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe to take alongside flupentixol.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be monitored.
• Flupentixol can cause drowsiness, dizziness and blurred vision. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert or able to see properly.
• Alcohol will increase feelings of drowsiness. If you do drink alcohol, drink only a little and be aware of its effects on you.
• Before having any surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the surgeon, doctor or dentist that you are taking flupentixol.
• Flupentixol can occasionally cause a dry mouth. If you experience this, try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking sugar-free sweets or pieces of ice. If a dry mouth becomes a problem speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Flupentixol can cause some people's skin to become more sensitive to sunlight than it usually is. Avoid strong sunlight and sunbeds until you know how your skin reacts and use a suncream higher than factor 15.

Can flupentixol cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Shakiness, abnormal face and body movements, restlessness, uncontrollable movements of the tongue, face and jaw; drowsiness, mood changes, insomnia (trouble sleeping), dizziness, headache, confusion, constipation, diarrhoea, tummy ache, a stuffy nose, dry mouth, problems urinating (passing water), blurred vision, a fast or thumping heartbeat, changes in menstruation (periods), breast problems, sexual problems, weight gain, skin rashes, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) or a purple tint to the skin and eyes.

IMPORTANT: If you experience 'flu like' symptoms such as stiffness, high temperature, abnormal paleness, leaking bladder and a racing heartbeat contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital immediately

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

How to store flupentixol

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 14/09/2005