Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Permitil

Generic Name: fluphenazine (Pronunciation: floo FEN a zeen)

• What is fluphenazine (Permitil)?
• What are the possible side effects of fluphenazine (Permitil)?
• What is the most important information I should know about fluphenazine (Permitil)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking fluphenazine (Permitil)?
• How should I take fluphenazine (Permitil)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Permitil)?
• What happens if I overdose (Permitil)?
• What should I avoid while taking fluphenazine (Permitil)?
• What other drugs will affect fluphenazine (Permitil)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is fluphenazine (Permitil)?

Fluphenazine is an anti-psychotic medication in a group of drugs called phenothiazines (FEEN-oh-THYE-a-zeens). It works by changing the actions of chemicals in your brain.

Fluphenazine is used to treat psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia.

Fluphenazine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Fluphenazine 1 mg-MYL

triangular, white, imprinted with 4, M

Fluphenazine 10 mg-MYL

triangular, orange, imprinted with M, 97

Fluphenazine 2.5 mg-MYL

triangular, yellow, imprinted with 9, M

Fluphenazine 5 mg-MYL

triangular, green, imprinted with 74, M

What are the possible side effects of fluphenazine (Permitil)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using fluphenazine and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• twitching or uncontrollable movements of your eyes, lips, tongue, face, arms, or legs;
• tremor (uncontrolled shaking), drooling, trouble swallowing, problems with balance or walking;
• feeling like you might pass out;
• seizure (convulsions);
• blurred vision, eye pain, seeing halos around lights;
• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, mouth sores, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;
• dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats; or
• slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, slow breathing (breathing may stop).

Less serious side effects may include:

• headache, dizziness, drowsiness;
• feeling anxious or restless;
• strange dreams;
• nausea, constipation, loss of appetite;
• mild skin rash;
• dry mouth, stuffy nose;
• increased sweating or urination;
• breast swelling or discharge;
• changes in your menstrual periods;
• impotence, trouble having an orgasm; or
• weight gain, swelling in your hands or feet.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about fluphenazine (Permitil)?

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have twitching or uncontrollable movements of your eyes, lips, tongue, face, arms, or legs.

Fluphenazine is not for use in psychotic conditions related to dementia. Fluphenazine may cause heart failure, sudden death, or pneumonia in older adults with dementia-related conditions.

You should not use fluphenazine if you have liver disease, brain damage, bone marrow depression, a blood cell disorder, or if you are also using large amounts of alcohol or medicines that make you sleepy. Do not use if you are allergic to fluphenazine or other phenothiazines.

Before you take fluphenazine, tell your doctor if you have heart disease or high blood pressure, a history of seizures, Parkinson's disease, liver or kidney disease, severe asthma or breathing problem, past or present breast cancer, adrenal gland tumor, enlarged prostate, urination problems, glaucoma, low levels of calcium in your blood, or if you have ever had a serious side effect while using fluphenazine or similar medicines.

Before taking fluphenazine, tell your doctor about all other medications you use.

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