Fluanxol is a prescription medication used to treat chronic mental conditions, primarily schizophrenia. Fluanxol, the brand name for flupenthixol, is a thioxanthene neuroleptic meaning it corrects chemical imbalances in the brain. Although the benefits of Fluanxol may not be felt for several weeks, side effects can occur anytime in treatment.
Common
Common side effects occur in more than 10 percent of those taking Fluanxol. The most common side effect affects involuntary muscle movements and is known as tardive dyskinesia. Tardive dyskinesia, as described by Flupenthixol Chemistry, includes lip-smacking, muscle spasms, rapid tongue movements, trembling of the fingers or hands, uncontrollable chewing movements and uncontrolled movements of the arms or legs.
In some patients, Fluanxol may have the opposite effect on muscles, causing them to be stiff, resulting in the inability to move your eyes, or a mask-like appearance to your face.
Fluanxol also causes restlessness leading to difficulty sleeping, tiredness, weakness, drowsiness and headache. Digestive side effects, including constipation, diarrhea and nausea, may also occur.
Less Common
The following side effects occur in less than 10 percent of those taking Fluanxol. They are more severe and include blurred vision, high pressure in the eyes, fainting and difficulty urinating. Skin reactions including redness at the injection site, rash or discoloration may also occur.
Fluanxol can decrease sexual function, especially in men, and interfere with normal menstrual cycles in women. Men may experience enlarged breasts, and women may experience an unusual secretion of breast milk, according to the Consumer Medicine Information leaflet.
Rare
The following side effects rarely occur with Fluanxol, but if they do you must seek medical attention immediately. These include difficulty breathing; rapid heartbeat; fever; drastic change, either increase or decrease, in blood pressure; increased sweating; unusually pale skin or seizures. In addition if you have bleeding, such as nosebleeds, that won't subside, or extreme bruising, the Consumer Medicine Information leaflet urges you to seek urgent medical attention.
Allergic Reaction
Those allergic to the medication--or any component of the medication including coconut oil--will exhibit the side effects of rash, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, hives or itchy skin. Swelling of the throat can cause difficulty breathing, shortness of breath or wheezing. If you experience these symptoms, seek medical treatment immediately.
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