Fluphenazine vs. Prolixin for Bipolar Disorder: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Fluphenazine

Summary for Fluphenazine

Prescription only

Fluphenazine is a typical antipsychotic and is used to treat conditions that cause psychosis. It's available as short-acting fluphenazine hydrochloride (tablets, liquid, injection) that's typically taken by mouth or injected 3 to 4 times a day. It also comes as long-acting fluphenazine decanoate (injection) that's usually given every 4 to 6 weeks. Side effects of this medication include drowsiness and movement problems. Brand name Prolixin is no longer available.

Indications for Fluphenazine

Psychotic disorders

Pros and Cons for Fluphenazine

Pros

Available as a lower-cost generic medication
Comes as a tablet, liquid, or injection (both short- and long-acting)
Dose can be easily adjusted based on individual needs

Cons

Long-term use can raise the risk of permanent movement problems
Not safe for use in older adults with dementia-related psychosis
Might not be a safe option if you've had a bad reaction to similar medications (e.g., chlorpromazine (Thorazine), thioridazine (Mellaril))

Common Side Effects for Fluphenazine

Dystonia (uncontrollable muscle contractions): neck spasms, difficulty swallowing and breathing, sticking your tongue out
Involuntary movements (especially of the face or mouth)
Changes in blood pressure
Weight changes
Fluid retention (holding onto fluid)
Nausea
Constipation
Loss of appetite
Dry mouth
Headache
Salivation, drooling
More sweating
Frequent urination

Warnings for Fluphenazine

Higher risk of death in older people with dementia-related psychosis
Difficulty controlling movements
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Low white blood cell counts
High prolactin levels
Harm to unborn babies

Summary for Prolixin

Prescription only

Indications for Prolixin

Psychotic disorders

Pros and Cons for Prolixin

Pros

Available as a lower-cost generic medication
Comes as a tablet, liquid, or injection (both short- and long-acting)
Dose can be easily adjusted based on individual needs

Cons

Long-term use can raise the risk of permanent movement problems
Not safe for use in older adults with dementia-related psychosis
Might not be a safe option if you've had a bad reaction to similar medications (e.g., chlorpromazine (Thorazine), thioridazine (Mellaril))

Common Side Effects for Prolixin

Dystonia (uncontrollable muscle contractions): neck spasms, difficulty swallowing and breathing, sticking your tongue out
Involuntary movements (especially of the face or mouth)
Changes in blood pressure
Weight changes
Fluid retention (holding onto fluid)
Nausea
Constipation
Loss of appetite
Dry mouth
Headache
Salivation, drooling
More sweating
Frequent urination