You should not use fluphenazine if you have liver disease, brain damage, severe depression, a blood cell disorder, or if you are also using large amounts of alcohol or medicines that make you sleepy.
Fluphenazine is not approved for use in older adults with dementia-related psychosis.
Call your doctor at once if you have uncontrollable movements of your eyes, lips, tongue, face, arms, or legs. These could be early signs of dangerous side effects.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use  fluphenazine if you are allergic to fluphenazine or other phenothiazines (chlorpromazine, perphenazine, prochlorperazine, promethazine, thioridazine, trifluoperazine), or if you have:
liver disease;
brain damage;
severe depression; or
a blood cell disorder (such as low platelets or low red or white blood cell counts).
Do not use fluphenazine if you have recently used large amounts of alcohol or medicine that makes you sleepy.
Fluphenazine may increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis and is not approved for this use.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
heart problems;
liver or kidney disease;
low white blood cell (WBC) counts;
breast cancer;
glaucoma;
Parkinson's disease;
seizures; or
pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland).
Tell your doctor if you will be exposed to extreme heat or cold, or to insecticide poisons while you are using fluphenazine.
Fluphenazine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old.
Using antipsychotic medicine in the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause breathing problems, feeding problems, or withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. If you get pregnant, tell your doctor right away. Do not stop using fluphenazine without your doctor's advice.
Fluphenazine may cause false results on a pregnancy test. Tell your doctor if you think you might be pregnant.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
How should I use fluphenazine?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Fluphenazine oral is taken by mouth.
Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
Fluphenazine oral concentrate solution must be mixed with at least 2 ounces (1/4 cup) of a liquid such as milk, tomato juice, fruit juice (but not apple juice), or a soft drink that does not contain caffeine.
Fluphenazine injection is injected into a muscle or under the skin by a healthcare provider. Fluphenazine is usually given by injection only after you have taken the medicine by mouth for a certain period of time.
Fluphenazine injection stays in your body longer than the oral form, and the injections are not given daily. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.
You may need frequent medical tests. Your next dose may be delayed based on the results.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using fluphenazine.
Do not stop using fluphenazine suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using this medicine.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not allow liquid medicine to freeze.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your fluphenazine injection.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
