Drug Interactions between fluphenazine and opium

MONITOR: The risk of seizures may be increased during coadministration of fluphenazine with any substance that can reduce the seizure threshold, such as aminophylline, antidepressants, antipsychotics, opioids, carbapenems, etc. These agents are often individually epileptogenic and may have additive effects when combined. Many of these agents also exhibit CNS- and/or respiratory-depressant effects, which may be enhanced during their concomitant use with fluphenazine.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised if fluphenazine is administered with any substance that can reduce the seizure threshold, particularly in the elderly and in patients with epilepsy, a history of seizures, or other risk factors for seizures (e.g., head trauma, brain tumor, metabolic disorders, alcohol and drug withdrawal, CNS infections). Ambulatory patients should be counseled to avoid hazardous activities requiring mental alertness and motor coordination until they know how these agents affect them, and to notify their physician if they experience excessive or prolonged CNS effects that interfere with their normal activities.