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Typical Antipsychotic (Thioxanthene) — Also Used as Low-dose Antidepressant

Flupentixol

Brand names: Depixol (depot), Fluanxol (oral low-dose antidepressant)

Flupentixol is a first-generation (thioxanthene) antipsychotic; oral formulations are used for schizophrenia and related psychoses, and at low dose for depression.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It antagonises postsynaptic dopamine D2 receptors, reducing dopaminergic overactivity associated with psychotic symptoms.

Prescribing in practice

  • It can cause extrapyramidal side effects and, rarely, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, which requires immediate discontinuation and urgent treatment.
  • Avoid in overactive or excited patients because it can have an alerting effect that may worsen agitation.
  • Antipsychotics increase the risk of QT prolongation and, in elderly patients with dementia, of stroke and death.

Monitoring

Monitor for extrapyramidal symptoms, metabolic effects and, where indicated, ECG and prolactin during treatment.

Counselling the patient

  • Report muscle stiffness, tremor, restlessness or high fever.
  • May cause drowsiness; take care with driving until effects are known.
  • Continue treatment as prescribed and do not stop suddenly.

Evidence & guidelines

First-generation antipsychotics are established treatments for schizophrenia, with efficacy and extrapyramidal risk well characterised.

Reference: NICE CG178 (Psychosis and Schizophrenia); Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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