• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
• Usually taken twice a day (morning and evening).
• Can be taken with or without food.
• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
• Take it at the same times each day to keep a steady level in your body.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s close to the next dose, skip the missed one.
• Do not take two doses at once.

If you stop taking Fanapt for more than 3 days, do not restart on your own. Talk to your doctor first — you may need to restart at a lower dose.

Fanapt works by affecting chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters, mainly dopamine and serotonin.

Here is how Fanapt works:

• It blocks dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2 receptors.
• By doing this, it helps rebalance brain chemicals that are too active in people with schizophrenia.
• This reduces symptoms like hearing voices, strong fears, or unusual thoughts.

Unlike older antipsychotic medicines, Fanapt is called an “atypical” antipsychotic because it usually causes fewer movement-related side effects like shaking or muscle stiffness.

Most people tolerate Fanapt well, but some may experience side effects.

Common Side Effects (usually mild):

• Dizziness when standing up
• Sleepiness or tiredness
• Weight gain
• Dry mouth
• Fast heartbeat
• Stuffy nose
• Mild shaking or tremors
• Trouble sleeping

These often go away after the first few weeks of treatment.

Serious Side Effects (less common but may need medical help):

• Irregular heartbeat
• Seizures
• Severe dizziness or fainting
• High blood sugar (symptoms: thirst, increased urination)
• Allergic reactions (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)
• Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) – rare but life-threatening (symptoms: high fever, muscle stiffness, confusion)
• Tardive Dyskinesia – uncontrollable movements of the face or body (usually after long-term use)

Call your doctor immediately if you notice any of these serious symptoms.

Before taking Fanapt, tell your doctor if you:

• Have heart problems or a family history of heart disease
• Have low blood pressure
• Have a history of seizures
• Are diabetic or have high blood sugar
• Have kidney or liver issues
• Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• Are using other mental health medications

Other safety tips:

• Not for elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis: Fanapt may increase the risk of death in older adults with this condition.
• Avoid alcohol: It can increase drowsiness and dizziness.
• Be careful when driving or using machines: Until you know how Fanapt affects you, avoid tasks that need full attention.
• Avoid becoming too hot: Fanapt can affect the body’s ability to cool down, so drink water and stay cool in hot weather.

Fanapt can interact with other medications. Some interactions may make side effects worse or affect how well the medicine works.

Tell your doctor if you take:

• Heart medications (especially those that affect heartbeat)
• Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medicines
• Antifungal drugs (like ketoconazole)
• HIV medications
• Drugs that lower blood pressure
• Sedatives or sleep aids

Also, avoid grapefruit juice, as it can increase the level of Fanapt in your body.

Use Fanapt exactly as your doctor prescribes. Do not skip doses or stop taking the medicine without advice.

• Take twice daily as part of your routine.
• Build up slowly: The dose needs to be increased over the first few days to lower the risk of side effects.
• Re-initiation: If you stop for more than 3 days, call your doctor to restart at a low dose.
• Avoid missing doses: This helps keep symptoms under control.

Monitoring: You may need blood tests, EKG (heart test), or weight checks during treatment.

Fanapt is a prescription-only medication. You must see a psychiatrist or doctor to get it.

Before prescribing Fanapt, your doctor will:

• Review your mental health history
• Ask about other medications and any past side effects
• Check for heart problems
• Possibly order blood tests or an EKG

Fanapt should only be used under a doctor’s supervision. Do not take someone else’s medicine, and do not share yours.

• What is Fanapt used for?
  It is prescribed to treat schizophrenia in adults.

• What is the active ingredient?
  Iloperidone, an atypical (second-generation) antipsychotic.

• How does Fanapt work?
  It helps restore the balance of dopamine and serotonin in the brain, reducing symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.

• Does Fanapt cure schizophrenia?
  No, it does not cure the condition, but it helps manage symptoms.

• How is Fanapt taken?
  Orally, in tablet form, usually twice daily.

• How is the dose adjusted?
  Dosing is started low and gradually increased over several days to reduce side effects such as low blood pressure.

• What are the common side effects?
  Dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, weight gain, runny nose, and rapid heartbeat.

• Are there serious side effects?
  Yes, including:

  • QT prolongation (heart rhythm changes)

  • Orthostatic hypotension (sudden drop in blood pressure)

  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)

  • Tardive dyskinesia (involuntary movements)

  • Increased risk of death in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis

• Who should not take Fanapt?
  People with a history of heart rhythm problems, recent heart attack, or severe low blood pressure.

• Is heart monitoring needed?
  Yes, an ECG (electrocardiogram) may be done, especially in patients with cardiac risk.

• Can Fanapt cause weight gain?
  Yes, weight gain and metabolic changes (like increased blood sugar or cholesterol) may occur.

• Is Fanapt safe during pregnancy?
  It should only be used if the benefits outweigh risks—may cause newborn withdrawal symptoms if used late in pregnancy.

• Can I take Fanapt while breastfeeding?
  Not recommended, as iloperidone may pass into breast milk.

• Does Fanapt interact with other medications?
  Yes, especially with drugs that affect heart rhythm, blood pressure, or liver enzyme activity (CYP2D6, CYP3A4 inhibitors/inducers).

• What should I avoid while taking Fanapt?
  Avoid alcohol and use caution with activities requiring alertness until you know how it affects you.

• Can Fanapt be used in children?
  Safety and effectiveness have not been established in patients under 18.

• How long does Fanapt take to work?
  Some improvement may be seen within 1–2 weeks, but full effects may take several weeks.

• What happens if I miss a dose?
  Take it as soon as remembered, unless it’s almost time for the next dose—do not double dose.

• Is there a generic available?
  Yes, iloperidone is available in generic form.

• Where can I get Fanapt?
  At pharmacies with a prescription from a psychiatrist or healthcare provider.