Fanapt
(Iloperidone)
Controls schizophrenia.
Our bottom line
Fanapt (Iloperidone) is helpful for treating schizophrenia, but it can be expensive because it's only available as brand name.
- Drug class: Mental health
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Upsides
- Part of the first choice medications to treat schizophrenia.
- There are patient assistance programs that can lower the copay.
- Comes in many different strengths to make it easier to customize your dose.
- Less likely to cause sexual problems than other similar medicines.
What to expect from Fanapt, on one page
Downsides
- Fanapt (Iloperidone) can be expensive because it is only available as brand name.
- You will need to follow a strict schedule the first two weeks as body adjusts to Fanapt (Iloperidone). You might have to see your doctor several times until you find a dose that works best for you.
- You're more likely to have changes in blood pressure with Fanapt (Iloperidone), which can make you feel faint or dizzy.
- If you stop taking Fanapt (Iloperidone) for 3 days and want to restart it, you'll have to start taking it from the beginning dose.
- You have to take Fanapt (Iloperidone) twice a day, which can be hard to remember.
What to expect from Fanapt, on one page
Fanapt (Iloperidone) is an atypical antipsychotic. It stabilizes dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain. In schizophrenia, it's believed that the brain becomes too sensitive to changes in levels of certain chemicals, like dopamine.
- Drug class: Mental health
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.What to expect when you take Fanapt (Iloperidone) for Schizophrenia
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonthsLong term
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonthsLong term
- Possible side effects
- Dizziness
- Uncontrolled movements
- Agitation
- Weight gain
It can take time for a drug to start working, or for some side effects to go away.
Source: FDA product label and Iodine pharmacistsSide effect rates for Fanapt (Iloperidone)
- Dizziness10%10%7%7%
- Sleepiness9%9%5%5%
- Dry mouth8%8%1%1%
- Nausea7%7%8%8%
- Diarrhea5%5%4%4%
- Difficulty controlling movements5%5%4%4%
- Agitation5%5%4%4%
- Nasal congestion5%5%2%2%
- Fatigue4%4%3%3%
- Sore throat4%4%3%3%
- Joint pain3%3%2%2%
- Faster heart rate3%3%1%1%
- Blurred vision3%3%2%2%
- Tremor3%3%2%2%
- Sluggishness3%3%1%1%
- Rash3%3%2%2%
- Sudden changes in blood pressure3%3%1%1%
- Colds or flu2%2%1%1%
- Ejaculation disorder2%2%1%1%
- Difficulty breathing2%2%1%1%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Fanapt.
People taking Fanapt felt side effect more
People taking Fanapt felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Fanapt (Iloperidone)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › People over 65 with dementia and psychosis
Older people who have dementia and psychosis have a higher risk of death if they take antipsychotic medicines like Fanapt (Iloperidone). They shouldn't be given this medicine.
This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.
Common concerns from people taking Fanapt (Iloperidone)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- People on antipsychotic medicines like Fanapt (Iloperidone) might have problems regulating their blood sugar, cholesterol, and weight. Talk to your doctor if you have diabetes or high cholesterol, since they might have to adjust your medicines to make sure you stay healthy.