Trifluoperazine

Generic name: Trifluoperazine
Brand names: Stelazine
Dosage form: oral tablet (1 mg; 10 mg; 2 mg; 5 mg)
Drug class: Phenothiazine antipsychotics

Usage of Trifluoperazine

Trifluoperazine is a phenothiazine (FEEN-oh-THYE-a-zeen) antipsychotic medicine that is used to treat anxiety or schizophrenia.

Trifluoperazine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Trifluoperazine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

High doses or long-term use of trifluoperazine can cause a serious movement disorder that may not be reversible. The longer you use trifluoperazine, the more likely you are to develop this disorder, especially if you are a woman or an older adult.

Trifluoperazine may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

uncontrolled muscle movements in your arms, legs, or face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement);

stiffness in your neck, tightness in your throat, trouble breathing or swallowing;

feeling restless, jittery, or agitated;

decreased night vision, tunnel vision, watery eyes, increased sensitivity to light;

seizure (black-out or convulsions);

jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

low blood cell counts--fever, chills, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, trouble breathing; or

severe nervous system reaction--very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out.

Common side effects of trifluoperazine may include:

dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness;

blurred vision;

dry mouth, loss of appetite;

sleep problems (insomnia);

muscle weakness;

itching or rash;

missed menstrual periods; or

breast swelling or discharge.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Trifluoperazine

You should not use trifluoperazine if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

bone marrow suppression;

liver disease;

a blood cell disorder such as anemia, low white blood cell counts, or low platelets; or

drowsiness, slow breathing, weak pulse, or decreased alertness (such as after drinking alcohol or taking medicines that make you sleepy).

Trifluoperazine may increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis and is not approved for this use.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

a brain tumor;

heart disease, high blood pressure;

kidney disease;

blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines);

past or present breast cancer;

glaucoma;

seizures or epilepsy;

pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland);

an enlarged prostate or urination problems; or

if you also take lithium or a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven).

Tell your doctor if you will be exposed to extreme heat or cold, or to insecticide poisons while you are taking trifluoperazine.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you become pregnant. Taking antipsychotic medicine in the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause breathing problems, feeding problems, or withdrawal symptoms in the newborn.

You should not breastfeed while using trifluoperazine.

Talk with your doctor before giving trifluoperazine to a child who has been ill with a fever or flu symptoms.

Relate drugs

How to use Trifluoperazine

Usual Adult Dose for Schizophrenia:

Initial dose: 2 to 5 mg orally 2 times a dayMaintenance dose: 15 to 20 mg/dayMaximum dose: 40 mg/dayComment:-Most patients should reach therapeutic levels in 2 to 3 weeks.Use: Management of schizophrenia

Usual Adult Dose for Anxiety:

Recommended dose: 1 to 2 mg orally 2 times a dayMaximum dose: 6 mg/dayDuration of therapy: Up to 12 weeksComment:-The lowest effective dosage should be used for the shortest duration of time.Use: Treatment of non-psychotic anxiety

Usual Geriatric Dose for Schizophrenia:

Initial dose: 2 mg orally 2 times a dayMaintenance dose: 15 to 20 mg/dayMaximum dose: 40 mg/dayComment:-Most patients should reach therapeutic levels in 2 to 3 weeksUse: Management of schizophrenia

Usual Geriatric Dose for Anxiety:

Initial dose: 1 mg orally 2 times a dayMaximum dose: 6 mg/dayDuration of therapy: Up to 12 weeksComments:-Due to the long half-life of this drug, this drug may be given as a once a day dose. -The lowest effective dosage should be used for the shortest duration of time.Use: Treatment of non-psychotic anxiety

Usual Pediatric Dose for Schizophrenia:

6 to 12 years:-Initial dose: 1 mg once a day OR 2 times a day-Maintenance dose: 1 to 15 mg/day12 years and older:-Initial dose: 2 to 5 mg orally 2 times a day-Maintenance dose: 15 to 20 mg/day-Maximum dose: 40 mg/dayComments:-Pediatric patients should be closely monitored or hospitalized.-Dosing should be determined by symptom severity and the weight of the child. Patients may undergo gradual dose titration until symptoms are controlled or side effects become intolerable.-Older patients with severe schizophrenia may require doses greater than 15 mg/day to manage their symptoms.-Most patients should reach therapeutic levels in 2 to 3 weeks.Use: Management of schizophrenia

Warnings

You should not use trifluoperazine if you have bone marrow suppression, liver disease, a blood cell disorder, or if you have drowsiness, slow breathing, weak pulse, or decreased alertness (such as after drinking alcohol or taking medicines that make you sleepy).

Trifluoperazine is not approved for use in older adults with dementia-related psychosis.

What other drugs will affect Trifluoperazine

Taking trifluoperazine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Many drugs can affect trifluoperazine. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

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