flupentixol dihydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Thioxanthene neuroleptic with dopamine-modulating effects.
Licensed use
Symptomatic treatment of depression, with or without anxiety.
Form
Oral film-coated tablets containing lactose.
Food
Can be taken with or without food.
Driving
Drowsiness, dizziness or blurred vision may impair driving and machinery use.
What is flupentixol dihydrochloride used for?
The selected UK tablet product is licensed for:
Symptomatic treatment of depression with or without anxiety.
How does flupentixol dihydrochloride work?
The exact mechanism is uncertain. Flupentixol affects dopamine and other aminergic signalling in the brain. Presynaptic dopamine-receptor effects and later adaptation of postsynaptic receptors may contribute to symptom improvement.
flupentixol dihydrochloride preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 3 mg
How to take flupentixol dihydrochloride
Follow the prescriber's directions and do not alter treatment yourself.
Swallow the film-coated tablets with water; do not chew them.
They may be taken with or without food.
Avoid alcohol because it can increase drowsiness and impairment.
Do not stop suddenly; discuss withdrawal with the prescriber.
flupentixol dihydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness, restlessness or altered movement
- Dizziness or headache
- Increased appetite or weight
- Insomnia, nervousness or agitation
- Tremor or muscle spasms
- Blurred or abnormal vision
- Fast heartbeat or palpitations
- Constipation, indigestion, vomiting or diarrhoea
- Sweating, itching or muscle pain
- Tiredness or weakness
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction with breathing difficulty or facial or throat swelling
- High fever, muscle rigidity, sweating and altered consciousness
- New or persistent involuntary movements, particularly of the mouth or tongue
- Fainting or symptoms of a serious abnormal heart rhythm
- A painful swollen leg, chest pain or sudden breathlessness
- Seizures
- Yellow skin or eyes
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
flupentixol dihydrochloride in pregnancy
Human safety data are limited. The product information advises avoiding use, particularly during the first and last trimesters, unless expected benefit outweighs potential fetal risk. Exposure near delivery can cause newborn movement, muscle-tone, breathing, feeding or withdrawal problems. Do not stop prescribed treatment without speaking to the prescriber or maternity team.
flupentixol dihydrochloride while breastfeeding
Flupentixol passes into breast milk. The selected product information advises stopping breastfeeding if treatment is considered essential. Discuss feeding and treatment options with the mental-health and maternity teams or a specialist medicines-in-breastfeeding service.
flupentixol dihydrochloride interactions
Check all prescription, pharmacy and complementary products with a clinician. Important examples include:
Alcohol, barbiturates and other central nervous system depressants
Sedation and impairment may increase.
QT-prolonging medicines
Certain antiarrhythmics, macrolides, quinolones, antihistamines and antipsychotics can increase the risk of a dangerous abnormal heart rhythm and should generally be avoided.
Lithium
May increase neurotoxicity and cardiac risk.
Metoclopramide, piperazine and antiparkinson medicines
Common questions about flupentixol dihydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is flupentixol dihydrochloride an antidepressant or an antipsychotic?
It has thioxanthene antipsychotic pharmacology, but the selected UK oral tablets are licensed for symptomatic treatment of depression with or without anxiety.
Can it be taken with food?
Yes. The tablets can be taken with or without food and should be swallowed with water.
Can I drink alcohol while taking it?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.