Drug Name

Prolixin (Fluphenazine)

Drug Uses

Prolixin is used to treat psychotic disorders. Prolixin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

How Taken

Use Prolixin as directed by your doctor.

• Take Prolixin by mouth with food.
• Swallow whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Prolixin.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Prolixin is in a class of drugs called phenothiazines. It works by changing the actions of chemicals in the brain.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Prolixin and are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Prolixin at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep in a tight, light-resistant container. Keep Prolixin out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Prolixin if:

• you you are allergic to any ingredient in Prolixin or similar medicines (e.g., phenothiazines);
• you have known or suspected brain damage, liver damage, or blood or bone marrow problems (e.g., low blood platelet levels, low white blood cell count);
• you have recently taken large amounts of alcohol or CNS depressant medicines, such as barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital) or narcotic pain medicines (e.g., codeine);
• you are taking astemizole, pergolide, or terfenadine.

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Important :

• Prolixin may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Prolixin with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Prolixin; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
• Alcohol, hot weather, exercise, and fever can increase the risk of dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. To prevent these effects, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
• Do not become overheated in hot weather or while you are being active; heatstroke may occur.
• Prolixin may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Prolixin. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
• Some patients who take Prolixin may develop muscle movements that they cannot control. This is more likely to happen in elderly patients, especially women. The chance that this will happen or that it will become permanent is greater in those who take Prolixin in higher doses or for a long time. Muscle problems may also occur after short-term treatment with low doses. Tell your doctor at once if you have muscle problems with your arms; legs; or your tongue, face, mouth, or jaw (e.g., tongue sticking out, puffing of cheeks, mouth puckering, chewing movements) while taking Prolixin.
• Some patients who take Prolixin may develop muscle movements that they cannot control. This is more likely to happen in elderly patients, especially women. The chance that this will happen or that it will become permanent is greater in those who take Prolixin in higher doses or for a long time. Muscle problems may also occur after short-term treatment with low doses. Tell your doctor at once if you have muscle problems with your arms; legs; or your tongue, face, mouth, or jaw (e.g., tongue sticking out, puffing of cheeks, mouth puckering, chewing movements) while taking Prolixin.
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a possibly fatal syndrome that can be caused by Prolixin. Symptoms may include fever; stiff muscles; confusion; abnormal thinking; fast or irregular heartbeat; and sweating. Contact your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Prolixin before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Prolixin may cause the results of some pregnancy tests to be wrong. Check with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your pregnancy test results.
• Lab tests, including liver and kidney function tests, complete blood cell counts, and eye exams, may be performed while you use Prolixin. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Prolixin with caution in the elderly; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially dizziness, lightheadedness (especially upon standing), rapid heartbeat, breathing problems, urinary retention, and constipation.
• Prolixin should be used with extreme caution in children; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Prolixin while pregnant. Prolixin is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Prolixin.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• agitation; bizarre dreams; constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; headache; loss of appetite; nausea; stuffy nose.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); changes in menstrual period; changes in sexual ability; chest pain; dark urine; difficulty swallowing; drooling; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; involuntary movements or spasms of the arms, legs, tongue, face, mouth, or jaw; mask-like face; muscle restlessness; prolonged or painful erection; restlessness; seizures; severe constipation; severe or persistent dizziness; shuffling walk; sleeplessness; sore mouth or gums; stiff or rigid muscles; stomach pain; sweating; trouble urinating; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual eye movements or inability to move eyes; unusual mood or mental changes, including lack of response to your surroundings; vision changes; weakness of arms or legs; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

More Information

Prolixin is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.