Fluanxol (flupentixol)

How does it work?

Fluanxol tablets contain the active ingredient flupentixol (previously spelt flupenthixol in the UK), which is a type of medicine called an antipsychotic.

In high doses, flupentixol is used to treat schizophrenia and other psychotic illnesses (see the Depixol factsheets linked at the end of this article for more information about this use of flupentixol). Fluanxol tablets contain a lower dose of flupentixol and are used to treat depression.

It is not fully understood how low doses of flupentixol work in treating depression, but its mechanism of action is not the same as that of other antidepressants. Unlike other antidepressants, an effect is usually seen within two to three days.

What is it used for?

Depressive illness.

Warning!

This medicine may cause drowsiness and blurred vision. If affected do not drive or operate machinery.

It is recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine because it may enhance drowsiness.

This medicine can occasionally cause your blood pressure to drop when you move from a lying down or sitting position to sitting or standing, especially when you first start taking the medicine. This may make you feel dizzy or unsteady. To avoid this try getting up slowly. If you do feel dizzy, sit or lie down until the symptoms pass.

You should not suddenly stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you otherwise, as this may cause withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sweating, insomnia or involuntary movements such as twitching or tremor. Withdrawal symptoms are temporary and are not due to addiction or dependence on the medicine. They can usually be avoided by stopping the medicine gradually. Follow the instructions given by your doctor when it is time to stop treatment with this medicine.

Tell your doctor if you get a high temperature (fever), mouth ulcers or other unexplained signs of infection while taking this medicine. Your doctor may want you to have a blood test to check the numbers of blood cells in your blood.

If you experience any abnormal movements of your hands, legs, face, neck or tongue while taking this medicine, for example tremor, twitching or rigidity, you should let your doctor know as your treatment should be stopped.

Consult your doctor immediately if you experience the following symptoms while taking this medicine: high fever, sweating, muscle stiffness, faster breathing and drowsiness or sleepiness. These symptoms may be due to a rare side effect known as the neuroleptic malignant syndrome, and if so your treatment should be stopped.

Use with caution in

Elderly people

Liver disease

Heart disease

Irregular heart beats (arrhythmias)

Severe lung disease

Kidney failure

Diabetes

Epilepsy

People at risk of seizures (fits), eg due to alcohol/drug withdrawal, brain damage, other medicines

Parkinson's disease

Closed angle glaucoma

Enlarged prostate gland

Overactive thyroid gland

Underactive thyroid gland

Tumour of the adrenal gland (phaeochromocytoma)

Abnormal muscle weakness

Hereditary blood disorders called porphyrias

Hypersensitivity to other antipsychotic medicines.

Not to be used in

States of excitement or overactivity, including mania

Severe depression requiring electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or hospitalisation.

This medicine is not recommended for use in children.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine for use during pregnancy has not been established. It should be avoided during pregnancy, particularly in the first and third trimesters, unless the expected benefit outweighs any possible risks to the developing baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine passes into breast milk and could have harmful effects on a nursing infant. The manufacturer recommends that mothers who need to take this medicine should stop breastfeeding and bottlefeed instead. Seek further medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

This medication may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcoholic drink.

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