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Fluphenazine Coupon - Fluphenazine 5mg tablet

fluphenazine

Generic Prolixin
Used for Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Dementia
Used for Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Dementia

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.

Last reviewed on January 8, 2024
basics-icon

What is Fluphenazine?

What is Fluphenazine used for?

  • Psychotic disorders

How Fluphenazine works

Fluphenazine is a typical antipsychotic. It works by blocking dopamine activity in your brain, which affects your thoughts and mood.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsProlixin (brand name no longer available)
Drug ClassTypical antipsychotic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Fluphenazine?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • 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

Other Side Effects

  • Blurry vision
  • Stuffy nose
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Bladder problems
  • Skin problems (e.g., itching, redness, rash)
  • Restlessness
  • Bizarre or strange dreams

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): high fever, fast heart rate, full body stiffness, confusion
  • Serious infection: fever, pale skin, fast heart rate, lightheadedness, feeling unwell
  • Serious allergic reaction: trouble breathing, throat tightness, hives, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Phenothiazines can sometimes cause serious unwanted effects. Tardive dyskinesia or tardive dystonia (muscle movement disorders) may occur and may not go away after you stop using the medicine. Signs of tardive dyskinesia or tardive dystonia include worm-like movements of the tongue, or other uncontrolled movements of the mouth, tongue, cheeks, jaw, body, arms, or legs. Another possible serious unwanted effect is the neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Signs and symptoms of NMS include severe muscle stiffness, fever, fast heartbeat, difficult breathing, increased sweating, and loss of bladder control. You and your doctor should discuss the good this medicine will do as well as the risks of taking it.

Stop taking this medicine and get emergency help immediately if any of the following effects occur:

Rare

Symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Confusion (severe) or coma

difficult or fast breathing

drooling

fast heartbeat

high or low (irregular) blood pressure

increased sweating

loss of bladder control

muscle stiffness (severe)

trembling or shaking

trouble in speaking or swallowing

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Inability to move eyes

increased blinking or spasms of eyelid

lip smacking or puckering

muscle spasms of face, neck, body, arms, or legs causing unusual postures or unusual expressions on face

puffing of cheeks

rapid or worm-like movements of tongue

sticking out of tongue

tic-like or twitching movements

trouble in breathing, speaking, or swallowing

uncontrolled chewing movements

uncontrolled movements of arms or legs

uncontrolled twisting movements of neck, trunk, arms, or leg

Rare

Irregular or slow heart rate

recurrent fainting

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Blurred vision, change in color vision, or difficulty in seeing at night

fainting

loss of balance control

mask-like face

restlessness or need to keep moving

shuffling walk

stiffness of arms or legs

trembling and shaking of hands and fingers

Less common

Difficulty in urinating

skin rash

sunburn (severe)

Rare

Abdominal or stomach pains

aching muscles and joints

agitation, bizarre dreams, excitement, or trouble in sleeping

bleeding or bruising (unusual

chest pain

clumsiness

confusion (mild)

constipation (severe)

convulsions (seizures)

dark urine

fever and chills

hair loss

headaches

hot, dry skin or lack of sweating

itchy skin (severe)

muscle weakness

nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

pain in joints

prolonged, painful, inappropriate erection of the penis

redness of hands

shivering

skin discoloration (tan or blue-gray)

sore throat and fever

sores in mouth

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

yellow eyes or skin

Phenothiazines may cause your urine to be dark. In most cases, this is not a sign of a serious problem. However, if your urine does become dark, discuss it with your doctor.

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Constipation (mild)

decreased sweating

dizziness

drowsiness

dryness of mouth

nasal congestion

Less common

Changes in menstrual period

decreased sexual ability

increased sensitivity of eyes to light

rough or “fuzzy” tongue

secretion of milk (unusual)

swelling or pain in breasts

watering of mouth

weight gain (unusual)

After you stop using this medicine, your body may need time to adjust. The length of time this takes depends on the amount of medicine you were using and how long you used it. During this time, check with your doctor if you notice dizziness, nausea and vomiting, stomach pain, trembling of the fingers and hands, or any of the following signs of tardive dyskinesia or tardive dystonia:

Inability to move eyes

lip smacking or puckering

muscle spasms of face, neck, body, arms, or legs, causing unusual body positions or unusual expressions on face

puffing of cheeks

rapid or worm-like movements of tongue

sticking out of tongue

tic-like or twitching movements

trouble in breathing, speaking, or swallowing

uncontrolled chewing movements

uncontrolled twisting or other movements of neck, trunk, arms, or legs

Although not all of the side effects listed above have been reported for all of the phenothiazines, they have been reported for at least one of them. However, since all of the phenothiazines are very similar, any of the above side effects may occur with any of these medicines.

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Fluphenazine

thumbs-up

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

thumbs-down

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))

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Fluphenazine

pharmacist
  • Your fluphenazine dose can change a lot, especially when you first start the medication. Make sure you know how much you should take and how often.

    • If you're using a liquid form of fluphenazine, be sure to use the measuring device provided by your pharmacy to measure out your dose. Household spoons aren't accurate and can cause you to take too much or too little of the medication.

      • If you're using the oral concentrate, mix the medication with 2 fl oz (60 mL) of liquid right before you take your dose. The medication can be mixed with tomato or fruit juice (except apple), milk, or non-caffeinated soda. Don't mix the medication with apple juice or caffeinated drinks (e.g., coffee, tea, cola) because they aren't compatible with fluphenazine.

        • Don't suddenly stop taking fluphenazine unless directed by your provider. Suddenly stopping the medication after taking high doses for a long time can lead to unpleasant effects. Your provider might want you to lower your dose slowly over time.

          • Fluphenazine can cause dizziness, sleepiness, and can affect your ability to focus, think, and react. Don't drive or do anything that requires you to focus until you know how this medication affects you.

            • Fluphenazine can lower your blood pressure when you stand from a seated or lying down position. This can cause dizziness and raise your risk of falls and injuries. Stand up slowly and brace yourself when switching positions.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Fluphenazine

              How to administer fluphenazine decanoate?
              Fluphenazine decanoate is given as an injection into the muscle or under the skin, usually by a healthcare provider in a clinic setting. It's the long-acting version of fluphenazine, so you typically only need an injection once every 4 to 6 weeks, or as directed by your provider. Contact your provider if you have any questions.
              Is fluphenazine a controlled substance?
              No. Fluphenazine isn't a controlled substance because it doesn't have a risk of misuse or addiction.
              Is fluphenazine discontinued?
              The brand names of fluphenazine, Prolixin and Permitil, have been discontinued. The generic versions, however, are still available. It isn't clear why the brand names have been discontinued, but Prolixin wasn't discontinued due to concerns of safety or effectiveness.
              Does fluphenazine cause weight gain?
              Yes, weight gain is a possible side effect from fluphenazine. But you're less likely to see weight gain from fluphenazine compared to some other antipsychotic medications. To lower your risk of weight gain, make sure to maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise routine. If the amount of weight you're gaining concerns you, your provider can consider switching your medication.
              What are some common side effects of fluphenazine?
              Some of the more common side effects of fluphenazine include drowsiness, headache, dry mouth, constipation, and tremor. Let your provider know if you experience these or other side effects after starting fluphenazine. They might be able to help you manage them with medications or lifestyle changes. For example, if you have dry mouth, you can try chewing sugar-free gum to help your salivary glands make more saliva. If you experience tremors, your provider might lower your dose of fluphenazine or consider prescribing benztropine to ease symptoms. If you have any questions on a specific side effect, talk with your provider.
              Do I need to wean off of fluphenazine?
              Stopping fluphenazine suddenly can cause uncomfortable side effects, such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or shakiness, especially if you've been taking higher doses. Your provider might want you to lower your dose slowly over time before stopping completely.
              Can fluphenazine be used during pregnancy?
              There isn't enough information to know if fluphenazine is safe to take during pregnancy. While limited reports show that fluphenazine might cause birth defects, other studies show that it didn't cause harm during pregnancy. In general, babies born to mothers who took antipsychotic medications during the third trimester are more likely to experience movement disorders or withdrawal symptoms at birth, such as tremor, sleepiness, or agitation. If you're pregnant, discuss the risks and benefits of taking this medication with your provider.
              Can I drink alcohol while taking fluphenazine?
              Avoid drinking alcohol while taking fluphenazine because it can make side effects like drowsiness worse. Drinking alcohol can also worsen your psychotic symptoms.
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              What are the risks and warnings for Fluphenazine?

              Fluphenazine can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

              risk-warning

              Higher risk of death in older people with dementia-related psychosis

              • Risk factors: Age 65 and older with dementia and psychosis

                People over the age of 65 who have dementia sometimes have some of the symptoms of psychosis, like hallucinations and delusions. This is called dementia-related psychosis, and it shouldn't be treated with fluphenazine. If fluphenazine is used for dementia-related psychosis, it can cause death. Let your provider know if you or your loved one has dementia before starting fluphenazine.

                risk-warning

                Difficulty controlling movements

                • Risk factors: Age 65 and older | Females aged 65 and older | Taking fluphenazine for a long time | Taking high doses

                  Antipsychotic medications like fluphenazine can cause a movement condition called tardive dyskinesia (TD). Common symptoms of TD include uncontrollable facial movements such as blinking or sticking out your tongue. It happens more often to older adults, especially older women, but can happen to anyone. Let your provider know if this starts to happen to you or a loved one if you're a caregiver. Sometimes TD will go away if fluphenazine is stopped or the dose is lowered.

                  risk-warning

                  Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

                  Fluphenazine can cause a rare but life-threatening condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Symptoms include high fever, fast heart rate, full body stiffness, and confusion. Get medical attention right away if you notice any of these symptoms. Your healthcare provider will likely find you another medication that will work better for you.

                  risk-warning

                  Low white blood cell counts

                  • Risk factors: History of low white blood cell counts

                    Fluphenazine can lower the number of white blood cells you have. White blood cells help your body to fight off infections and diseases. If you notice a fever or that you're getting sick more easily, let your provider know right away because they might have you stop taking this medication. Talk to your provider if you think you're getting sick more often.

                    risk-warning

                    High prolactin levels

                    Fluphenazine can cause prolactin hormone levels in your blood to go up. High prolactin levels can lead to a milky substance being released from the nipple, enlarged breasts, sexual dysfunction, absent or irregular menstrual periods, and weak bones. Your provider might do regular blood tests to make sure that your prolactin levels are in a healthy range.

                    risk-warning

                    Harm to unborn babies

                    Fluphenazine should only be used in pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the potential risks to your unborn baby. Newborn babies exposed to fluphenazine during the third trimester of pregnancy are at a higher risk for side effects and withdrawal symptoms following delivery. Let your healthcare provider know if you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking fluphenazine.

                    dosage

                    Fluphenazine dosage forms

                    The average cost for 30 tablets of 5mg of Fluphenazine is $19.80 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 91.12% off the average retail price of $223.08.
                    dropper
                    Dropper
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    120ml of 5mg/ml1 dropper$49.00$49.00
                    60ml of 2.5mg/5ml9 droppers$14.00$1.56
                    ml of elixir
                    Ml of elixir
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    2.5mg/5ml370 ml$65.00$0.18
                    tablet
                    Tablet
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    1mg90 tablets$37.00$0.41
                    2.5mg30 tablets$20.00$0.67
                    5mg30 tablets$19.80$0.66
                    10mg60 tablets$43.00$0.72
                    vial
                    Vial
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    10ml of 2.5mg/ml1 vial$61.00$61.00
                    5ml of 25mg/ml1 vial$46.00$46.00

                    Typical dosing for Fluphenazine

                    Fluphenazine hydrochloride

                    • Oral (tablets, liquid elixir, liquid concentrate): The typical starting dose ranges from 2.5 mg to 10 mg by mouth daily, split into 3 or 4 doses throughout the day (every 6-8 hours). Your provider might adjust your dose based on how you respond to the medication.

                    • Injection: The typical starting dose ranges from 2.5 mg to 10 mg injected into the muscles daily, split into 3 or 4 doses throughout the day (every 6-8 hours). Your provider might adjust your dose based on how you respond to the medication.

                    Fluphenazine decanoate
                    Long-acting fluphenazine injection is only prescribed by providers for people who've already tried and been stable on the short-acting fluphenazine hydrochloride.

                    • Injection: The typical starting dose ranges from 12.5 mg to 25 mg injected under the skin or into the muscles, typically once every 4 to 6 weeks, by a healthcare provider in a clinic setting. Your provider might adjust your dose based on how you respond to the medication.

                    Your dose might differ if you're 65 years or older.

                    interactions

                    Interactions between Fluphenazine and other drugs

                    Fluphenazine may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Fluphenazine. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                    Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking any of these medicines, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

                    Using medicines in this class with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with a medication in this class or change some of the other medicines you take.

                    Using medicines in this class with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                    drug-cost

                    How much does Fluphenazine cost?

                    To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.View prices & coupons
                    contraindications-icon

                    Fluphenazine contraindications

                    Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Fluphenazine will not be safe for you to take.
                    • Brain damage or suspected to have brain damage

                    • Taking large doses of hypnotics

                    • Coma

                    • Severe depression

                    • Having severe blood or liver problems

                    alternatives

                    What are alternatives to Fluphenazine?

                    There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Fluphenazine. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                    Fluphenazine
                    Used for:
                    • Psychotic disorders

                    $19.80 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    Used for:
                    • Psychotic and behavioral disorders

                    • Tourette syndrome in adults and children

                    • Hyperactivity in children

                    $12.94 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    Used for:
                    • Schizophrenia - people ages 13 years and older

                    • Manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder - people ages 10 years and older

                    • Irritability associated with autism - children ages 5 to 17 years old

                    $4.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    images

                    Fluphenazine images

                    Green Triangle M And 74 - Fluphenazine Hydrochloride 5mg Tablet
                    This medicine is Green, Triangle Tablet Imprinted With "74" And "M".Green Triangle M And 74 - Fluphenazine Hydrochloride 5mg Tablet
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                    This medicine is Pink, Round Tablet Imprinted With "Lci" And "1790".Pink Round 1790 And Lci - Fluphenazine Hydrochloride 5mg Tablet
                    Orange Round Gg 489 - Fluphenazine Hydrochloride 5mg Tablet
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                    Pink Round Znl And 5 - Fluphenazine Hydrochloride 5mg Tablet
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                    Pink Round 103 And C - Fluphenazine Hydrochloride 5mg Tablet
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                    Orange Triangle Fl2 - Fluphenazine Hydrochloride 5mg Tablet
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                    Green Round Fl And 5 - Fluphenazine Hydrochloride 5mg Tablet
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                    Green Round Fl And 5 - Fluphenazine Hydrochloride 5mg Tablet
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                    Green Round G 74 - Fluphenazine Hydrochloride 5mg Tablet
                    This medicine is Green, Round Tablet Imprinted With "G 74".Green Round G 74 - Fluphenazine Hydrochloride 5mg Tablet
                    Green Round F5 - Fluphenazine Hydrochloride 5mg Tablet
                    This medicine is Green, Round Tablet Imprinted With "F5".Green Round F5 - Fluphenazine Hydrochloride 5mg Tablet
                    Green Round F5 - Fluphenazine Hydrochloride 5mg Tablet
                    This medicine is Green, Round Tablet Imprinted With "F5".Green Round F5 - Fluphenazine Hydrochloride 5mg Tablet

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                    References

                    Best studies we found

                    Al-Chalabi, M., et al. (2023). Physiology, prolactin. StatPearls.

                    Aurobindo Pharma Limited. (2023). Fluphenazine hydrochloride tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Protect your child: Use the right tool to give the right dose.

                    View All References (9)

                    Eugia US LLC. (2023). Fluphenazine decanoate injection, solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC. (2019). Fluphenazine hydrochloride- fluphenazine hydrochloride injection, solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    Ganguli, R. (1999). Weight gain associated with antipsychotic drugs. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.

                    Iqbal, M. M., et al. (2005). The potential risks of commonly prescribed antipsychotics: During pregnancy and lactation. Psychiatry.

                    LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury. (2018). Fluphenazine. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

                    Mother To Baby. (2022). Fluphenazine (Prolixin®, Permitil®). Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS).

                    PAI Holdings, LLC. (2023). Fluphenazine hydrochloride elixir [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    Pharmaceutical Associates, Inc. (2022). Fluphenazine hydrochloride solution, concentrate [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2018). Determination that Prolixin (fluphenazine hydrochloride) tablets, 1 milligram, 2.5 milligrams, 5 milligrams, and 10 milligrams, was not withdrawn from sale for reasons of safety or effectiveness. Federal Register.

                    GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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