Fanapt (iloperidone) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for schizophrenia in adults. Fanapt comes as an oral tablet that’s typically taken twice per day. The dosage can vary depending on what condition the drug is used to help treat.
Fanapt belongs to a drug class called second-generation atypical antipsychotics. Fanapt is not available in a generic version.
Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Fanapt, including its strengths and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at Fanapt, see this article.
Note: This article describes typical dosages for Fanapt provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Fanapt, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.
Fanapt dosage
Read below for recommended dosages of Fanapt and other details about the drug.
Fanapt form
Fanapt comes as an oral tablet.
Fanapt strengths
Fanapt comes in seven strengths:
- 1 milligram (mg)
- 2 mg
- 4 mg
- 6 mg
- 8 mg
- 10 mg
- 12 mg
Typical dosages
Fanapt’s dosage is titrated. This means your doctor will start by prescribing you a low dosage. Then they’ll increase it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed or recommended in adults. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for schizophrenia
Doctors may prescribe Fanapt to treat schizophrenia.
The table below shows the typical dosage schedule. Your doctor will titrate Fanapt over several days to reach your maintenance dosage. They may prescribe a Fanapt Starter Pack for your first 4 days of treatment.
| Day of Fanapt treatment | Fanapt dosage |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1 mg taken twice per day |
| 2 | 2 mg taken twice per day |
| 3 | 4 mg taken twice per day |
| 4 | 6 mg taken twice per day |
After the first 4 days, your doctor may recommend that you continue taking 6 mg of Fanapt twice per day. If so, that will be considered your maintenance dose.
In some cases, your doctor will continue to increase your Fanapt dosage over the next 3 days. Then, they’ll choose a maintenance dose that suits your needs, typically 6–12 mg taken twice per day. The maximum recommended dosage of Fanapt is 12 mg taken twice per day.
For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.
Long-term treatment
Fanapt is meant to be taken as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Fanapt is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.
Before you start taking Fanapt, your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you.
Factors that can affect your dosage
The Fanapt dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:
- how your body responds to Fanapt
- the type and severity of the condition you’re taking Fanapt to treat
- other medications you take
- side effects you may have with Fanapt
- your liver function
Other medical conditions you have can also affect your Fanapt dosage.
Dosage adjustments
Your doctor may need to adjust your dosage if you take certain medications, such as liver enzyme* inhibitors or inducers. These drugs can affect the level of Fanapt in your body.
Your doctor may also need to adjust your dosage if you have liver damage.
Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you take and any health conditions you may have.
* Liver enzyme is an enzyme (a type of protein) in the liver that breaks down medications.
How to take Fanapt
Fanapt comes as an oral tablet that you swallow whole. If you have questions about whether you can crush, chew, or split the tablets, contact your doctor or pharmacist. You may take your dose with or without food.
You’ll take Fanapt twice per day. You’ll take one tablet in the morning and one tablet in the evening.
If you have trouble swallowing tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any other questions or concerns.
ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERSSome pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.
If you’re having trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Fanapt in an easy-open container. They also may recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose of Fanapt, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next scheduled dose. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed one. If you’re not sure whether you should take a missed dose or skip it, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
If you forget to take Fanapt for 3 days or longer, talk with your doctor before restarting it. They may recommend starting with a lower dosage and slowly increasing it like you did when you first started treatment with Fanapt.
To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your bathroom mirror or bedside table. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.
Fanapt and overdose
It’s important that you don’t take more Fanapt than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
Effects of an overdose
Overdose effects of Fanapt can include:
- extreme drowsiness
- low blood pressure
- fast heartbeat
- involuntary movements, such as shaking, shrugging, chewing, or lip smacking
- fever
- long QT interval (an atypical pause in the heart’s rhythm)
If you take more than the recommended amount of Fanapt
Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Fanapt. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
Frequently asked questions
Below are some frequently asked questions about Fanapt.
Is the dosage of Fanapt similar to the dosage of Risperdal?
Yes, the forms and titration schedules for each drug are similar. Fanapt and Risperdal (risperidone) are both oral tablets. The dosage of each drug is increased over the first few days of treatment. However, Risperdal may be taken once or twice per day. It also comes as an oral solution, an orally disintegrating tablet, and an injectable form (Risperdal Consta).
The dosage in milligrams for each drug differs because they have different active ingredients. Your doctor will prescribe the drug and the dosage that’s right for you.
To learn more about how these drugs compare, talk with your doctor.
How long does it take for Fanapt to start working?
Fanapt starts to work after your first dose. Because of the titration schedule, you likely won’t feel the drug working in your body during the first 2 weeks of treatment. Once you start your maintenance dosage, your doctor will check to see whether your symptoms are improving.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about what to expect with Fanapt treatment.
Takeaway and helpful resources
The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Fanapt for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.
As with any drug, never change your dosage of Fanapt without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Fanapt that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.
Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Fanapt. These additional articles might be helpful:
- More about Fanapt. For information about other aspects of Fanapt, refer to this article.
- Details about schizophrenia. For details about schizophrenia, see our mental health hub.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.