Fluanxol

What is it?

An antidepressant preparation and a thioxanthene, available as red, sugar-coated tablets of 2 strengths, containing 0.5mg and 1mg of flupenthixol (as dihydrochloride), both marked LUNDBECK

Medical Uses

Short-term treatment of depression which may be accompanied by symptoms of anxiety.

Dosage

Adults, 1-2mg as a single dose taken in the morning with a maximum daily amount of 3mg in divided doses. Elderly persons, 0.5mg as a single morning dose with a daily maximum of 2g in divided doses.

Special Care

Drug should be gradually wiyhdrawn.

Avoid Use

Children, overactive, excitable persons, mania, those with very severe depression (requiring hospitalisation and ECT).

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Other antidepressants, anticoagulants, central nervous system sedatives, antihypertensives, anticonvulsants, levodopa, analgesics, alcohol, antidiabetic drugs.

Known Side Effects

Dry mouth, blocked nose, visual disturbances, muscular spasms and Parkinsonism-like symptoms, hypotension, tiredness and lethargy. Weight gain, sleepiness, constipation, difficulty passing urine, enlargement of breasts and abnormal production of milk, dermatitis, blood changes, hypothermia (elderly patients), tachycardia and effects on ECG, benign jaundice, fits. Discontinue in the event of neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

Manufacturer

Lundbeck.