If you have schizophrenia, your doctor may suggest treatment with Fanapt. It’s a prescription drug used to treat schizophrenia in adults.
Fanapt basics
Fanapt comes as a tablet you swallow. It contains the active ingredient iloperidone. (The active ingredient is what makes a drug work). It’s not currently available as a generic.
Fanapt belongs to a group of drugs (also known as a drug class) called atypical antipsychotics.
Keep reading to learn more about Fanapt, including the drug’s side effects, uses, cost, and more.
Like most drugs, Fanapt may cause mild to serious side effects. Below are lists of some of the more common side effects the drug may cause. But these lists don’t include all possible side effects.
Keep in mind that side effects of a drug can depend on:
- your age
- other health conditions you may have
- other drugs you take
Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the potential side effects of Fanapt. They can also suggest ways to help reduce side effects.
Mild side effects
Below is a list of some of the mild side effects Fanapt can cause. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or read the drug’s prescribing information.
Mild side effects of Fanapt that have been reported include:
- dizziness
- dry mouth
- fatigue (low energy)
- stuffy nose
- sleepiness
- stiffness or pain in your joints or muscles
- diarrhea
- belly pain
- tremor
- slow or unsteady body movement
- restlessness
- sexual side effects, including erectile dysfunction
- urinary incontinence (when you’re unable to prevent urine from leaking out)
- mild allergic reaction*
Mild side effects of many drugs may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. But if they become bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Allergic reaction” section below.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects from Fanapt can occur, but they aren’t common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.
Serious side effects of Fanapt that have been reported include:
- heart rate changes, including long QT syndrome (a kind of irregular heart rhythm)
- neuroleptic malignant syndrome
- tardive dyskinesia
- metabolic changes, including:
- weight gain
- blood cell problems, including:
- high prolactin level, which may cause:
- gynecomastia in males*
- erectile dysfunction, in males
- irregular menstrual cycle, including not having a period, in females*
- nipple discharge unrelated to breast milk, in females
- seizure
- low blood pressure or fainting after rising from sitting or lying down, which could result in falls and injuries
- issues regulating body temperature, which could cause you to become too hot while exercising or when in hot climates
- priapism (a prolonged, painful erection that won’t go away)
- changes to your thinking and mood, which can cause side effects such as:
- problems with impulse control
boxed warning : risk of death in certain older adults†- severe allergic reaction‡
* In this article, we use the terms “male” and “female” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.
† Fanapt has a
‡ To learn more about this side effect, see “Allergic reaction” below.
Help is out there
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:
- Call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
- Text HOME to the Crisis Textline at 741741.
- Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
- Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.
If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.
If you are not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
Allergic reaction
Some people may have an allergic reaction to Fanapt. It doesn’t appear that allergic reaction was reported in the drug’s studies. But this side effect has been reported since Fanapt was approved for use.
Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:
A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include swelling under your skin, usually in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet. They can also include swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe.
Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Fanapt. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.
Find answers to some commonly asked questions about Fanapt.
Can Fanapt be used for bipolar disorder, anxiety, or depression?
Fanapt is only approved to treat schizophrenia. Using this drug to treat other conditions, including bipolar disorder, anxiety, or depression, is considered off-label use. “Off-label use” is when a drug is used to treat a condition other than those it’s approved for.
To learn more about possible off-label uses of Fanapt, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
How does Fanapt compare with other drugs for schizophrenia, such as Abilify or Risperdal?
If you’re prescribed Fanapt, you may wonder how it compares with other drugs used to treat schizophrenia.
The table below briefly compares Fanapt, Abilify, and Risperdal. Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information if you’d like to learn more about how these drugs compare.
| Drug | Conditions it treats | Dosage form | Common side effects |
| Fanapt | • schizophrenia in adults | • oral tablet | • dizziness • dry mouth • fatigue |
| Abilify | • schizophrenia in adults and some children • major depressive disorder in adults • bipolar I disorder in adults and some children • irritability related to autism spectrum disorder in some children • Tourette syndrome in certain children | • oral tablet | • movement problems • nausea and vomiting • dizziness |
| Risperdal | • schizophrenia in adults and some children • bipolar I disorder in adults and some children • irritability related to autism spectrum disorder in some children | • oral tablet • oral liquid solution | • movement problems • sleepiness • dizziness |
What is Fanapt’s half-life?
Fanapt’s
Does Fanapt cause mood swings?
It’s possible for Fanapt to cause mood swings, but this was rare in the drug’s studies. Other reported side effects related to mood and thinking that sometimes resulted in violence, include:
- aggression
- paranoia
- problems with impulse control
It’s important to note that people with schizophrenia can experience mood swings as a symptom of the condition. Fanapt is prescribed to treat schizophrenia. So it’s possible the drug may help treat mood swings if you experience this side effect as a result of your condition.
If you notice mood swings while taking Fanapt, let your doctor know right away. They can recommend the best course of action, which may include stopping treatment with this drug.
Fanapt is a prescription drug used to treat schizophrenia in adults. Schizophrenia is a chronic (long-term) psychiatric condition that causes you to experience distortions of reality. These are usually in the form of delusions or hallucinations.
It’s not currently understood what causes schizophrenia or why it affects certain people. It’s thought that biologic, genetic, and environmental factors all play a role in the development of this condition.
Symptoms of schizophrenia can differ. In the early stages, it may be difficult to distinguish schizophrenia from “typical” behaviors expected in childhood and adolescence. Early symptoms of schizophrenia can include:
- irritability and aggression
- changes in concentration and focus
- isolating oneself from family and friends
- a feeling that you’re different from others
- poor performance in school
Advanced symptoms of schizophrenia are usually broken down into three categories:
- Positive symptoms. In this context, “positive” means symptoms which are added to one’s thoughts or experience. Positive symptoms usually aren’t present in individuals without schizophrenia or other severe psychiatric conditions. Examples of positive symptoms include:
- hallucinations
- delusions
- Negative symptoms. These are symptoms which interrupt your usual behaviors and emotions. Examples include:
- a lack of emotion or expression
- a loss of interest in activities
- trouble experiencing pleasure
- Cognitive symptoms. These are symptoms which cause difficulty with cognitive or mental functioning. Examples include:
- disorganized thinking or speech
- forgetfulness
- problems learning or using information
How Fanapt works to treat schizophrenia isn’t exactly clear. It’s known that the drug affects levels of chemicals in your brain, including serotonin and dopamine. It’s thought that the levels of these chemicals play a role in causing schizophrenia symptoms.
But scientists and doctors are still learning about schizophrenia, what causes it, and how to best treat it. So it also isn’t entirely clear how or why Fanapt works to treat this condition.
Prices of prescription drugs can vary depending on many factors, including what your insurance plan covers and which pharmacy you use.
If you have questions about the monthly cost or cost per year of Fanapt, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also ask them about ways to save on your cost for this drug, such as with a savings card.
You can also check out this article to learn more about saving money on prescriptions.
Your doctor will recommend the dosage of Fanapt that’s right for you. Below are commonly used dosages, but always take the dosage your doctor prescribes.
Form and strengths
Fanapt comes as a tablet which you swallow. It’s available in the following strengths:
- 1 milligram (mg)
- 2 mg
- 4 mg
- 6 mg
- 8 mg
- 10 mg
- 12 mg
Recommended dosage
For treating schizophrenia, you’ll likely take Fanapt twice per day. To learn more about the drug’s dosage, see this article.
Questions about Fanapt’s dosing
Below are some common questions about Fanapt’s dosing.
- What if I miss a dose of Fanapt? If you miss a dose of Fanapt, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Do not take two doses at once. If you miss more than 3 days of Fanapt doses, contact your doctor. They’ll likely restart your treatment at the lowest starting dose and increase your dose again over time.
- Will I need to use Fanapt long term? If you and your doctor agree that Fanapt is safe and working well for you, you’ll likely take it long term.
- How long does Fanapt take to work? Fanapt begins working with your first dose. But the drug must be started at a low dose, which your doctor will increase over time. This helps lower your risk of side effects from Fanapt. But it means it may take a few weeks before the drug is fully effective in treating your schizophrenia symptoms.
There are important considerations to discuss with your doctor before starting Fanapt. These include any medical conditions you may have and all other medications you take. Your doctor and pharmacist will use this information to check for any interactions with Fanapt.
Interactions
Taking a medication with certain vaccines, foods, and other things can affect how the medication works. These effects are called interactions.
Before starting Fanapt, be sure to tell your doctor about all drugs you take, including prescription and over-the-counter kinds. Also describe any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about any interactions these items may cause with Fanapt.
For information about drug-condition interactions, see the “Other warnings” section below.
Interactions with drugs or supplements
Fanapt can interact with several kinds of drugs. These include:
- drugs that affect how your body metabolizes (breaks down) Fanapt, including:
- certain antidepressants, such as paroxetine (Paxil) and fluoxetine (Prozac)
- the antifungal drugs ketoconazole and itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura)
- drugs that affect the part of your heart rhythm called the QT interval, including:
- certain antiarrhythmic drugs, including amiodarone (Pacerone) and sotalol (Betapace)
- certain antibiotics, such as clarithromycin and moxifloxacin
- certain other antipsychotic drugs, including chlorpromazine
- drugs that can affect your central nervous system, including:
- sleep drugs, such as zolpidem (Ambien)
- benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax)
- other antipsychotic drugs, such as risperidone (Risperdal)
- certain antidepressants, including trazodone
This list does not contain all the kinds of drugs that may interact with Fanapt. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about these interactions and any others that may occur with use of Fanapt.
Boxed warning
Fanapt has a
Older adults with psychosis related to dementia are at a higher risk of death if they’re treated with Fanapt or other antipsychotic medications. (With dementia, you have problems with memory, thinking, and communicating).
Due to this risk, antipsychotic medications (including Fanapt) should not be used to treat dementia-related psychosis in older adults. The drug is not approved for this use, and doctors will instead consider other treatments for this condition.
Other warnings
Fanapt can sometimes cause harmful effects in people who have certain conditions. This is known as a drug-condition interaction. Other factors may also affect whether Fanapt is a good treatment option for you. Talk with your doctor about your health history before starting this drug. Factors to consider include those described below.
Long QT syndrome or other heart-related problems. Doctors usually won’t prescribe Fanapt if you have long QT syndrome or an arrhythmia (heart rhythm problem). And they usually avoid prescribing it if you have heart disease, heart failure, or have recently had a heart attack. This is because Fanapt can cause long QT syndrome and other heart-related side effects. If any of these conditions apply to you, Fanapt could worsen your symptoms. And it increases your risk of heart-related side effects from taking the drug. In this case, your doctor will discuss other treatment options with you.
Diabetes or high cholesterol. Taking Fanapt can worsen diabetes or high cholesterol. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have either condition before starting this drug. They can provide more information on how they’ll monitor your blood sugar and cholesterol levels while you’re taking Fanapt.
Seizures. Studies have shown that Fanapt can cause seizure as a side effect in rare instances. If you already have epilepsy or another condition that causes seizures, taking Fanapt may worsen your condition. Talk with your doctor about whether Fanapt is a safe treatment option for you.
Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Fanapt or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe it for you. Ask them about other medications that might be better options.
Fanapt and alcohol
You should not take Fanapt with alcohol. Drinking alcohol increases your risk of certain side effects from Fanapt, as well as the severity of those side effects. Examples include changes in your thinking and movements, sleepiness, and low blood pressure when standing or sitting up.
In addition, alcohol can worsen symptoms of schizophrenia, which Fanapt is prescribed to treat.
Talk with your doctor if you have additional questions about alcohol and its effects on Fanapt and schizophrenia.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
It’s not known if it’s safe to take Fanapt while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Fanapt and pregnancy
Some studies show antipsychotic drugs may cause symptoms in a newborn if they’re taken during pregnancy. Fanapt is an antipsychotic drug, but hasn’t been specifically studied in pregnant people.
If you become pregnant while taking Fanapt, your doctor may suggest that you join the National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics. This registry collects information about the safety and effectiveness of antipsychotics such as Fanapt when used in pregnant people. Pregnancy registries help doctors and patients make safe, informed decisions about their care. You can learn more about the registry by calling 866-961-2388 or by visiting the registry website.
Fanapt and breastfeeding
It’s advised that you do not breastfeed while taking Fanapt. It’s not known if the drug appears in breast milk. But if it does, the risk of side effects is believed to outweigh the benefits of breastfeeding.
Talk with your doctor if you have additional questions about pregnancy, breastfeeding, and schizophrenia treatments, including Fanapt.
Your doctor will explain how you should take Fanapt, including how much to take and how often. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.
Taking Fanapt
Fanapt comes as a tablet that you swallow.
Accessible medication containers and labels
If it’s hard for you to read the label on your prescription, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Certain pharmacies may provide medication labels that:
- have large print
- use braille
- contain a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio
Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend a pharmacy that offers these options if your current pharmacy doesn’t.
Also, if you’re having trouble opening your medication bottles, let your pharmacist know. They may be able to put Fanapt in an easy-open container. Your pharmacist may also recommend tools to help make it simpler to open the drug’s container.
Questions about taking Fanapt
Below are some common questions about taking Fanapt.
- Can Fanapt be chewed, crushed, or split? The maker of Fanapt hasn’t stated whether it’s safe to chew, crush, or split Fanapt tablets. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor or check out this article if you’re having trouble swallowing pills.
- Should I take Fanapt with food? You can take Fanapt with or without food.
- Is there a best time of day to take Fanapt? No, you can take your doses any time of day. Fanapt is usually taken twice per day and you should try to space your doses out. For example, take one dose in the morning and the other in the evening.
Do not take more Fanapt than your doctor prescribes, as doing so can lead to serious side effects.
Symptoms of overdose
Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:
- feeling drowsy or very sleepy
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- low blood pressure
- extrapyramidal symptoms, a group of symptoms caused by antipsychotics such as Fanapt, which can include:
- uncontrollable repetitive face or muscle movements
- difficulty staying still
What to do in case you take too much Fanapt
Call your doctor if you think you’ve taken too much Fanapt. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Or go to the nearest emergency room.
Fanapt is a prescription drug used to treat schizophrenia in adults. If you have questions about taking this medication, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Questions you may want to ask include:
- What should I know about potential side effects from Fanapt compared to other drugs for treating schizophrenia?
- If my insurance coverage changes while I’m taking Fanapt, what are my treatment options?
- Should I use a lower Fanapt dosage, based on any of my medical conditions?
- Will I need to take other schizophrenia drugs together with Fanapt?
To get information on different conditions and tips for improving your health, subscribe to any of Healthline’s newsletters. You may also want to check out the online communities at Bezzy. It’s a place where people with certain conditions can find support and connect with others.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
