Fluspirilen is the generic name for an antipsychotic medication used primarily in the treatment of schizophrenia. It is administered by an injection into the thigh or buttocks. Side effects are usually minor, such pain at the injection site and drowsiness. Few drugs interact with it, but all interactions involve an increase in side effects.
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that is characterized by disorganized speech, hallucinations, and paranoid delusions. Several factors, such as genetics and early environment, contribute to the development of the disease. A cure has not been found as of 2011, but symptoms are treated with antipsychotic drugs, such as fluspirilen, and psychosocial interventions, such as family therapy.
This medication can only be administered through intramuscular injections. Treatments begin small, with 2 mg being injected each week. The dose is adjusted to the needs of the patient; as much as 10 mg can be administered each week. If a patient misses a scheduled dose, the next dose will be slightly modified to prevent the return of symptoms.
Contraindications, conditions that cause the medication to be withheld from a patient, include comatose states, central nervous system depression, and phaeochromocytoma, a tumor in the adrenal gland tissue. Occasionally, the risk of complications is outweighed by the possible benefits of a medication. In that case, the risks are considered relative contraindications, and the medicine is still administered.
A feeling of drowsiness is the most common side effect of fluspirilen. Usually, this feeling only lasts for a few hours after receiving the drug. Additionally, some patients complain of movement disorders, such as shaky hands, twitching, eyes, and a general feeling of restlessness. These side effects are usually not dangerous, and can be controlled by medication if the effects bother the patient.
Hypertension, headaches, and constipation are also side effects. These effects are only observed in one out of every 10 people. A few patients, about one in 100, develop weight gain, blurred vision, and skin rashes. In these situations doctors often prescribe medications to control the side effects.
Interactions with other medications can increase the risk of fluspirilen side effects. Sedatives, sleeping pills, tricyclics, anticholinergics, and other antipsychotic medications interact with fluspirilen. On the other hand, oral contraceptive pills do not interfere with this medication.
Alcohol may be consumed while on this drug. It may, however, make the patient drowsier. If drowsiness becomes a problem, the patient is advised not to drive or operate heavy machinery or to stop drinking alcohol during the course of the treatment.
