by Dr. Manura Nanayakkara

Created on: October 18, 2010   Last Updated: October 19, 2010

Fluphenazine is an Antipsychotic medication used to treat patients with schizophrenia and other psychoses. Fluphenazine deconate is a specially formulated long acting preparation of this drug given for the patients with poor drug compliance.

What is Fluphenazine deconate?

Since schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric disorder, patients need to take the drugs for a longer duration. But some patients do not take the oral drugs due to the residual  illness or various other reasons. This results in frequent hospital admissions and poor day to day functioning. Fluphenazine deconate is designed for these patients. Once administered, this preparation slowly releases the active anti-psychotic into the system, resulting in a steady concentration in the blood, without a need of oral drugs.

How it acts?

Fluphenazine blocks dopamine neurotransmitter in certain brain areas. This causes the reduction of psychotic symptoms. In addition it causes most of the side effects.

What are the things doctor will consider before giving Fluphenazine deconate?

Before prescribing Fluphenazine deconate, doctor should know whether the patient has following problems.

* Parkinson’s disease

* Liver problems

* Kidney problems

* Cardiovascular diseases

* Dementia

* Epilepsy

* Pheochromocytoma

* Enlarged prostate gland

* Major depression

* Myasthenia gravis

* Increased eye pressure

In addition, the doctor should know whether the patient is pregnant or breast feeding.

It is important to note that most doctors first give a small test dose of this drug to check the side effects. While on this test dose patient/caregiver must write down the side effects and show that to the doctor. Then the doctor can decide the dose.  

What are the common side effects?

Irritation and redness of the injection site is a common side effect. If it is severe then you must inform your doctor.

Drowsiness is also a common side effect. So the patient should not drive or operate machinery, while on Fluphenazine deconate, until he knows how his body reacts to this medication. Effects of alcohol can be enhanced, so patients should not take alcohol containing beverages while on Fluphenazine deconate as well.

Most troublesome side effects are the muscle movements without the patient’s knowledge (extra pyramidal symptoms). If a patient develops abnormal movements especially in face, tongue or body, then the doctor’s advice should be sought. Some patients can have features of Parkinson’s disease such as tremors and slowness of the movements. In addition, several patients may have a difficulty in keeping their legs in one place (Akathesia).

Other troublesome side effects are dry mouth, constipation, difficulty in urination and blurred vision. In addition, elderly people can get confused with this medication. In addition patients with dementia can have problems.

Allergic reaction to this medication can occur rarely and it is characterized by wide spread hives, chest tightness, shortness of breath and edema of the tongue/lips. If this happens take emergency medical help immediately.

Some women may get menstrual disturbances and abnormal increase in breast size and abnormal secretion of milk from the breasts. In addition, some men may complain impotence and sexual dysfunction with this medication.

Women should note that the potency of the oral contraceptive pill may reduce with this medication. Due to this, women getting this injection must seek other forms of contraception.

Sources

BNF

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