Prolixin (Fluphenazine Hcl)

Do’s

• Take Prolixin by mouth with or without food as directed by your healthcare provider.
• Administer the medication orally, usually 1 to 4 times daily.
• Use this medication regularly to obtain the most benefit from it.
• Take it at the same time(s) each day to help remember.
• Allow up to two weeks for the full benefit of this medication to take effect.
• Inform your healthcare provider if your condition does not improve or worsens.
• Consider conversion to the long-acting injectable Prolixin Decanoate for psychotic patients stabilized on a fixed daily dosage of orally administered Prolixin. It is usually given every 4 to 6 weeks.

Don’ts

• Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your healthcare provider, as some conditions may worsen if the drug is suddenly stopped. The dose may need to be gradually decreased in certain cases.

Common Side Effects: 

• Upset stomach
• Weakness or tiredness
• Excitement or anxiety
• Insomnia
• Nightmares
• Dry mouth
• Skin more sensitive to sunlight than usual
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Constipation
• Difficulty urinating
• Frequent urination
• Blurred vision
• Dizziness
• Feeling unsteady
• Having trouble keeping balance

Serious Side Effects: 

• Signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever)
• Easy bruising/bleeding
• Severe stomach/abdominal pain
• Yellowing of the eyes/skin
• Rash
• Itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• Severe dizziness
• Trouble breathing

High doses or long-term use of fluphenazine can cause a serious movement disorder that may not be reversible, especially in older adults.

Allergic Reactions:

A very serious allergic reaction to Prolixin is rare, but it is important to seek medical help right away if any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction are noticed, including:

• Rash
• Itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• Severe dizziness
• Trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects, and individuals should contact their healthcare provider if they notice other effects not listed above.

There may be a slightly increased risk of serious, possibly fatal side effects (such as heart failure, fast/irregular heartbeat, pneumonia) when Prolixin 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 a healthcare provider.

Before taking Prolixin, inform your healthcare provider if you are allergic to it, to other phenothiazines (such as chlorpromazine, or perphenazine), or have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems. 

Inform your healthcare provider about all prescription and nonprescription drugs being taken or have taken within the last 2 weeks, especially antidepressants, antihistamines, and other medications.

Be aware of these warnings and precautions before using Prolixin, and consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.