FLUPHENAZINE HCL

Drug Name: FLUPHENAZINE HCL

FLUPHENAZINE HCL DESCRIPTION:
FLUPHENAZINE - ORAL (flew-FEN-uh-zeen)

COMMON FLUPHENAZINE HCL BRAND NAME(S):
Prolixin

FLUPHENAZINE HCL SIDE EFFECTS:
Constipation, drowsiness, vision changes or dry mouth may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Unlikely to occur but report promptly restlessness, muscle stiffness, weakness, difficulty speaking, loss of balance, mask- like facial expression, trembling or shaking, dizziness, lip smacking or other uncontrollable movements, difficulty urinating, or skin rash/discoloration. Very unlikely to occur but report promptly sore throat, unusual bleeding or bruising, stomach pain, yellowing of eyes or skin, dark urine, hot dry skin or vomiting. Though very unlikely to occur, notify your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following effects: severe muscle stiffness, confusion, fever, seizures, irregular/fast heartbeat, increased sweating, prolonged/painful erection. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE FLUPHENAZINE HCL:
FLUPHENAZINE HCL: Take with food or milk if stomach upset occurs unless directed otherwise by your doctor. FLUPHENAZINE HCL must be taken as prescribed. Do not stop taking FLUPHENAZINE HCL suddenly without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may worsen if the medication is suddenly stopped. It may take up to two weeks for the full benefit of this medication to take effect.

FLUPHENAZINE HCL USES:
FLUPHENAZINE HCL is used to treat symptoms of certain types of mental or emotional conditions.

FLUPHENAZINE HCL PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history especially of very high or very low blood pressure, liver or heart disease, Reye's syndrome, alcohol or drug dependencies, nervous system problems, blood disorders or any allergies, especially drug allergies. Use caution performing tasks that require alertness, such as driving or using machinery. Use of alcohol can cause extreme drowsiness. Avoid alcohol use. FLUPHENAZINE HCL may increase sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and wear a sunscreen and protective clothing when you are exposed to the sun. FLUPHENAZINE HCL can reduce sweating making you more susceptible to heat stroke. Avoid strenuous work or exercise in hot weather. FLUPHENAZINE HCL is not intended for use in children under 12 years of age. Fluphenazine is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using FLUPHENAZINE HCL. Certain drugs closely related to fluphenazine (a phenothiazine) are excreted into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

FLUPHENAZINE HCL DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Inform your doctor about all the medications you use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially of anti-depressant/anti-anxiety drugs, sparfloxacin, grepafloxacin, guanethidine, guanadrel, metrizamide, cabergoline, lithium, narcotic pain medications (e.g., codeine), drugs used to aid sleep, drowsiness-causing antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine) and of any other drugs that may make you drowsy. Many cough-and-cold products contain ingredients that may add a drowsiness effect. Before using cough-and-cold medications, ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safe use of those products. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

FLUPHENAZINE HCL OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include restlessness, muscle spasms, tremors, twitching, deep sleep or loss of consciousness, and seizures.

FLUPHENAZINE HCL NOTES:
Do not share FLUPHENAZINE HCL with others.

MISSED FLUPHENAZINE HCL DOSE:
If you miss a dose and take 1 dose daily: take as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your usual schedule. If you take more than 1 dose daily: take as soon as possible if it is within an hour or so of the missed dose. If not remembered within an hour, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

FLUPHENAZINE HCL STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze. Keep tightly closed. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854- 1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.