Indications 

Fluanxol Depot is a prescription medicine indicated for managing schizophrenia, a mental condition that affects thinking, emotions, and perception. 

Classified as an antipsychotic or neuroleptic medication, Fluanxol Depot functions by targeting specific neural pathways in the brain to address chemical imbalances responsible for schizophrenia symptoms. 

Uses and Dosage 

Fluanxol Depot is an oily solution contained in a vial and is administered intramuscularly by a healthcare professional through an injection. 

Before receiving this medication, review the patient information leaflet if provided. Ask your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. 

The dosage and dosing schedule for Fluanxol Depot may differ for each individual, taking into account their symptoms and response to the treatment. 

Typically, this medication is administered on a less frequent basis, like once every 2-3 weeks. 

For optimal outcomes, adhere to your appointment schedule for receiving Fluanxol Depot. If you miss an appointment, promptly contact your doctor to arrange a new one. 

Side Effects 

Common Side Effects

Inform your doctor right away should any of these effects be experienced. 

• Fever or mouth, gum, or throat soreness 
• Muscle spasms, stiffness, shaking, or uncontrolled body movements (indicative of Tardive Dyskinesia) 
• Dizziness, altered vision, constipation 
• Excessive salivation or sweating, difficulty urinating 
• Decreased blood pressure, increased heart rate 
• Weight fluctuations, skin rash 
• Reduced sexual interest or function 
• Alterations in menstrual cycle (if female) 

Serious Side Effects 

• Palpitations or irregular heart rhythm 
• Tremors 
• Repetitive movements 
• Sustained muscle contractions (dystonia) 
• Heightened muscle stiffness (hypertonia) 
• Venous blood clots, particularly in the legs (signs include leg swelling, pain, and redness), which could potentially migrate to the lungs, leading to chest discomfort and breathing difficulties. 

If you experience any of the serious symptoms listed above, promptly seek medical guidance. 

During Fluanxol Depot treatment, a severe condition known as neuroleptic malignant syndrome may arise, marked by symptoms like: 

• Fever 
• Muscle rigidity 
• Confusion 
• Decreased alertness 
• Irregular heart rate 
• Excessive sweating 

If you suspect these symptoms, immediately visit the nearest emergency room. 

Allergic Reactions 

In rare instances, Fluanxol Depot may cause a severe allergic reaction. Seek immediate medical care if you experience any signs of a severe allergic response, such as: 

• Skin rash 
• Hives 
• Swelling 
• Difficulty breathing 

This list does not cover all side effects of Fluanxol Depot. Report to your doctor if you observe any other effects. 

Cautions 

Before starting treatment with Fluanxol Depot, inform your doctor if you have any known hypersensitivities, particularly to flupenthixol decanoate, thioxanthenes, or other 

phenothiazine types of medications or any of the inactive ingredients of this solution. 

Fluanxol Depot is contraindicated in the following conditions: 

• Impaired consciousness resulting from alcohol, drug use (e.g., barbiturates, opiates), brain damage, shock, or coma 
• Liver disease 
• Kidney disease 
• Severe heart issues 
• Significant artery blockages 

Before Fluanxol Depot administration, disclose your medical background to your doctor for suitability assessment, especially if you have a history of: 

• Prior use of Fluanxol or other schizophrenia treatments and experienced issues 
• Regular alcohol consumption 
• Parkinson’s disease 
• Seizures 
• Dementia 
• Glaucoma 
• Irregular heart rhythms 
• Family history of blood clots 
• Stroke risk factors (e.g., smoking, high blood pressure) 
• Low potassium or magnesium levels in the blood (hypokalemia or hypomagnesia) 
• Cardiovascular disorders 

Disclose to your doctor your medication regimen, including prescription and over-the-counter remedies, vitamins, and herbal supplements, to lower the risk of drug interaction with Fluanxol Depot. 

Some of the medications that may interact with Fluanxol Depot include: 

• Tricyclic antidepressant  
• Guanethidine  
• Barbiturates and similar medications 
• Levodopa and related drugs (for Parkinson’s disease) 
• Metoclopramide   
• Other antipsychotic medications (e.g., thioridazine) 
• Medications affecting heart rhythm (e.g., quinidine, amiodarone, sotalol, erythromycin, moxifloxacin, lithium) 

Before receiving Fluanxol Depot, inform your doctor about your pregnancy status and intentions to ensure the safety of this medication for both you and your unborn child. 

In certain instances, infants born to mothers who receive Fluanxol Depot during pregnancy exhibited severe symptoms, necessitating hospitalization. These symptoms may sometimes resolve spontaneously. Be ready to seek immediate emergency medical care if your newborn experiences breathing difficulties, excessive drowsiness, muscle stiffness, floppiness, tremors, or feeding problems. 

Fluanxol Depot is not recommended during breastfeeding as its active ingredient, flupentixol, is excreted into breast milk.