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What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Symptoms of a fluphenazine overdose include uncontrollable movements, agitation, seizures, severe dizziness or fainting, coma, very deep sleep, irregular heartbeats, and high or low body temperature.

What should I avoid while taking fluphenazine?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Fluphenazine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

Dizziness may be more likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly to prevent dizziness and a possible fall.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking fluphenazine. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Fluphenazine may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when sun exposure is unavoidable.

What are the possible side effects of fluphenazine?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking fluphenazine and seek emergency medical treatment or contact your doctor immediately:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

• uncontrollable movements of the tongue, face, lips, arms, or legs;

• muscle spasms of the face or neck;

• severe restlessness or tremor;

• severe drowsiness or fainting; or

• a rash.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take fluphenazine and talk to your doctor if you experience:

• decreased sweating;

• dry mouth or a stuffy nose;

• constipation;

• blurred vision;

• mild restlessness, drowsiness, or tremor;

• difficult urination or dark urine;

• decreased sex drive;

• dizziness;

• increased appetite; or

• menstrual irregularities or swollen breasts.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect fluphenazine?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:

• antacids (take antacids at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after a dose of fluphenazine);

• blood pressure medications such as propranolol (Inderal), methyldopa (Aldomet), and clonidine (Catapres);

• an anticoagulant (blood thinner) such as warfarin (Coumadin); or

• phenytoin (Dilantin).

You may not be able to take fluphenazine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

Fluphenazine may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), other pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Together, these medicines may cause dangerous sedation, possibly resulting in unconsciousness and death. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with fluphenazine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has additional information about fluphenazine written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medicine look like?

Fluphenazine is available with a prescription generically and under the brand name Prolixin as an oral solution (liquid), tablets, and as an injection. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.