Prolixin

Brands: Permitil, Prolixin

What is the most important information I should know about Prolixin?

· Call your doctor immediately if you have uncontrollable movements of the mouth, tongue, cheeks, jaw, arms, or legs.

· Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Prolixin may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

· Dizziness may be more likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly to prevent dizziness and a possible fall.

· Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking Prolixin.

· Do not mix the liquid form of this medication with coffee, cola, tea, grape, or apple juice.

What is Prolixin?

· Prolixin is in a class of drugs called phenothiazines. It works by changing the actions of chemicals in the brain.

· Prolixin is used to treat psychotic disorders.

· Prolixin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Prolixin?

· Before taking Prolixin, tell your doctor if you have     ·bone marrow disease;     ·glaucoma;     ·seizures;     ·Parkinson's disease;     ·an enlarged prostate or difficulty urinating;     ·liver disease, or     ·kidney disease.

· You may not be able to take Prolixin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· It is not known whether Prolixin will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Prolixin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

· It is not known whether Prolixin passes into breast milk. Do not take Prolixin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

· If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from Prolixin. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of this medication.

How should I take Prolixin?

· Take Prolixin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.

· Prolixin can be taken with or without food.

· Mix the concentrate with 4 ounces of water, orange juice, or grapefruit juice.

· Do not mix the liquid with coffee, tea, cola, grape, or apple juice.

· Prolixin is also available as an injection. Your doctor, nurse, or healthcare provider will give you detailed instructions regarding preparation and administration of the injection.

· It is important to take Prolixin regularly to get the most benefit.

· Do not stop taking Prolixin without first talking to your doctor. It may be several weeks before you begin to feel better, and you may require continuous treatment for quite some time. Talk to your doctor before you stop taking this medication.

· Throw away any discolored liquid.

· Store Prolixin at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Store the liquid in a light-resistant container.

What happens if I miss a dose?

· If you take one dose of Prolixin a day, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then go back to your regular schedule the next day. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

· If you are taking Prolixin on a regular schedule several times a day, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

· Symptoms of a Prolixin overdose include uncontrollable movements, agitation, seizures, severe dizziness or fainting, coma, very deep sleep, irregular heartbeats, and high or low body temperature.

What should I avoid while taking Prolixin?

· Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Prolixin may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

· Dizziness may be more likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly to prevent dizziness and a possible fall.

· Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking Prolixin.

· Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Prolixin may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when sun exposure is unavoidable.

What are the possible side effects of Prolixin?

· If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Prolixin and seek emergency medical treatment or contact your doctor immediately:     ·an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);     ·uncontrollable movements of the tongue, face, lips, arms, or legs;     ·muscle spasms of the face or neck;     ·severe restlessness or tremor;     ·severe drowsiness or fainting; or     ·a rash.

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Prolixin and talk to your doctor if you experience:     ·decreased sweating;     ·dry mouth or a stuffy nose;     ·constipation;     ·blurred vision;     ·mild restlessness, drowsiness, or tremor;     ·difficult urination or dark urine;     ·decreased sex drive;     ·dizziness;     ·increased appetite; or     ·menstrual irregularities or swollen breasts.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Prolixin?

· Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:     ·antacids (take antacids at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after a dose of Prolixin);     ·blood pressure medications such as propranolol (Inderal), methyldopa (Aldomet), and clonidine (Catapres);     ·an anticoagulant (blood thinner) such as warfarin (Coumadin); or     ·phenytoin (Dilantin).

· You may not be able to take Prolixin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

· Prolixin may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), other pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Together, these medicines may cause dangerous sedation, possibly resulting in unconsciousness and death. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor.

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Prolixin. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has additional information about Prolixin written for health professionals that you may read.