General Information on Fanapt
Fanapt is used for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults. Iloperidone, the main active ingredient in the drug, belongs to a class of medications known as Piperidinyl-benzisoxazole antipsychotics.
Chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine exist in higher amounts in people with schizophrenia. Iloperidone works to inhibit the action of such chemicals and decrease their effects.
Fanapt is available in the form of a tablet. It is available in different strengths such as 1mg, 2mg, 4mg, 6mg, 8mg, 10mg, and 12mg. The drug is a prescription medication, which means you cannot buy Fanapt unless it is prescribed by your doctor.
Side effects of Fanapt
Some schizophrenia patients may experience mild to severe side effects after taking a dose of Fanapt. Dry mouth, weight gain, nausea, stuffy nose, diarrhea, drowsiness, or dizziness are some common side effects associated with the drug. These side effects generally wane over time. However, if they persist or worsen, you must consult your doctor immediately.
In rare cases, Fanapt may cause severe side effects in some schizophrenia patients. Confusion, involuntary movements of the tongue, lips, arms, legs or eyes, stiff muscles, feeling like passing out, high fever, and fast/uneven heartbeat are some severe side effects associated with Fanapt. Stop the medication and consult your doctor immediately if you notice or experience any severe side effects after taking a dose.
Fanapt may also cause hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), which can be identified by signs such as excessive hunger, increased urination or thirst, and weakness. Diabetic patients should take regular blood tests during treatment. It is not necessary that every person using this drug will experience some side effect. Many people using Fanapt do not complain about any side effects.
Dosage of Fanapt
Your doctor will give you specific instructions regarding the dosage. The treatment generally starts with a small dose, which is increased gradually during treatment. The recommended dose on the 1st day of treatment is one Fanapt 1mg tablet twice a day. Your doctor will ask you to take 2mg, 4mg, 6mg, 8mg, 10mg, and 12mg Fanapt tablets twice daily on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th day respectively. Doctors generally determine the effective dose of Fanapt via the titration method.
The maximum recommended dose of Fanapt is 12mg twice daily. The dosage is adjusted for schizophrenia patients who are also taking drugs that are powerful CYP2D6 inhibitors. You can take Fanapt with or without food. Do not use Fanapt in larger amounts or for a longer period than prescribed by your doctor.
Interactions
Fanapt may potentially interact with other drugs you are using and cause side effects. It may interact with specific antibiotics, antimalarial medicines, antidepressants, heart rhythm medications, arsenic trioxide, narcotic medications, drugs used to treat psychiatric disorders, medications used to treat nausea and vomiting, Droperidol, and migraine headache medicines.
To reduce the risk of side effects, inform your doctor about every drug you are using before you buy Fanapt, including prescription drugs, herbal supplements, and over the counter drugs.
