Fluphenazine

Fluphenazine is a first-generation antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. It is available in oral and long-acting injectable forms.

Connect

Dopamine D2 receptor: A G protein-coupled receptor through which dopamine regulates movement, motivation, and other brain functions. Fluphenazine's antipsychotic action chiefly comes from blocking this receptor.
Schizophrenia: A psychiatric disorder involving persistent disturbances in perception, thought, emotion, and behavior. Fluphenazine is used to manage psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia.
Haloperidol: A first-generation antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia, acute psychosis, and other conditions. Like fluphenazine, it strongly blocks dopamine D2 receptors, but has different formulations and dosing patterns.
Antipsychotic: A medication used to reduce psychosis or treat related psychiatric conditions. Fluphenazine is one member of this broad medication group.
Typical antipsychotic: An older class of antipsychotic drugs whose main action is dopamine D2 receptor antagonism. Fluphenazine belongs to this drug class.
Fluphenazine decanoate: A long-acting injectable ester formulation of fluphenazine used for maintenance treatment. It releases fluphenazine gradually, reducing the need for frequent dosing.
Chlorpromazine: A first-generation antipsychotic with prominent sedative and anticholinergic effects. It contrasts with fluphenazine's relatively high potency and greater movement-side-effect tendency.
Pharmacokinetics: The study of how a drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated by the body. Formulation and dosing determine how fluphenazine exposure changes over time.
Extrapyramidal symptoms: Drug-induced movement problems such as rigidity, tremor, and involuntary muscle contractions. D2 blockade by fluphenazine can cause these movement-related adverse effects.
Medication adherence: The extent to which a person takes medication according to an agreed treatment plan. A long-acting injection can help address missed daily oral doses.