Fluphenazine

Fluphenazine can be used to treat certain psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia. The medication helps control symptoms by blocking or lessening the effects of dopamine in the brain. Fluphenazine is available by prescription and comes in tablet, liquid, or injection form. The dose that you are prescribed will depend on the severity of your condition, other medical conditions you have, and other medications you are taking.

 

What Is Fluphenazine?

Fluphenazine (Prolixin®) is a prescription medicine known as a "typical antipsychotic" that has been licensed to treat psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia.
 

Who Makes Fluphenazine?

Fluphenazine was originally manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb. Although brand-name fluphenazine is no longer manufactured, generic fluphenazine is still available. It is made by several different companies.
 
(Click What Is Fluphenazine Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

How Does Fluphenazine Work?

Fluphenazine belongs to a group of medications called typical (or first-generation) antipsychotic medications. In particular, it is part of a group of medications called phenothiazines. It is not entirely known how fluphenazine works. However, it is known that the drug blocks or lessens the effects of dopamine, a chemical in the brain. Dopamine may be elevated in people with schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders.
 
However, fluphenazine is not a cure for schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders. It only helps to control symptoms (see Symptoms of Schizophrenia).
 
(Fluphenazine Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;