Flupentixol

Flupenthixol (marketed as Depixol and Fluanxol) is a typical antipsychotic neuroleptic drug. It is a thioxanthene, and therefore closely related to the phenothiazines. This drug combines piperazine with the chemical thioxanthene with three fluorine atoms molecularly bonded to it.

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Its main use is as a long acting injection given two or three weekly to people with schizophrenia who have a poor compliance with medication and suffer frequent relapses of illness. In some countries this can be involuntary under Community Treatment Orders.

Mode of action

Flupenthixol is a type of thioxanthene drug and acts by antagonism of D1 and D2 dopamine receptors (as well as serotonin). Side effects are similar to many other typical antipsychotics, namely extrapyramidal symptoms of akathisia, parkinsonian tremor and rigidity. However, anticholinergic adverse effects are low.

The typical antipsychotics are less commonly used now that the atypical antipsychotics are available (with less side effects). However flupentixol decanoate ester is useful in patients who are likely to be non-compliant. This formulation is given as an intramuscular depot injection lasting up to 3 weeks from a single injection. Tablets in strength of 0.5mg, 1 mg and 3 mg are also available. This drug is also used for depression in low dosages.