From the FDA Drug Label
Iloperidone tablets is an atypical antipsychotic indicated for: Treatment of schizophrenia in adults. Iloperidone is an atypical antipsychotic belonging to the chemical class of piperidinyl-benzisoxazole derivatives.
Fanapt (iloperidone) is an atypical antipsychotic medication, specifically a piperidinyl-benzisoxazole derivative, used for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults 1.
- It is available in oral tablet form, with various strengths ranging from 1 mg to 12 mg 1.
- The medication is practically insoluble in water but freely soluble in chloroform, ethanol, methanol, and acetonitrile 1.
From the Research
Fanapt (iloperidone) is an atypical antipsychotic medication primarily used to treat schizophrenia in adults, with a recommended starting dose of 1 mg twice daily, gradually increased to a target dose of 12-24 mg per day, divided into two doses, as supported by the study published in 2010 2. The medication works by blocking certain receptors in the brain, particularly dopamine and serotonin receptors, which helps reduce symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. Some key points to consider when prescribing Fanapt include:
- Common side effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, weight gain, and orthostatic hypotension (drop in blood pressure when standing up) 2
- The need for careful monitoring, especially for QT interval prolongation, which can affect heart rhythm 2
- Cautious use in patients with cardiovascular disease or those taking other medications that affect heart rhythm 2
- Unlike some other antipsychotics, Fanapt may cause fewer movement disorders, but requires strict adherence to the titration schedule when starting treatment 2
- Patients should not suddenly stop taking this medication without medical supervision, as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms or symptom recurrence 2 It's also worth noting that switching to iloperidone from other antipsychotics, such as risperidone, olanzapine, or aripiprazole, can be done either gradually or immediately, with similar efficacy and safety outcomes 3. However, the most recent study from 2021 4 is not directly relevant to the question about Fanapt, as it discusses the effect of olanzapine combined with risperidone in the treatment of schizophrenia. Therefore, the recommendation is based on the highest quality study available, which is the 2010 study published in the journal "Drug design, development and therapy" 2.