What is the most important information I should know about trifluoperazine?
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 is 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.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking oral 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 this medicine to a child who has been ill with a fever or flu symptoms.
How should I take trifluoperazine?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using trifluoperazine.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include dry mouth, constipation, extreme drowsiness or feeling restless and agitated, changes in heart rate, fainting, and seizure (convulsions).
What should I avoid while taking trifluoperazine?
Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Trifluoperazine can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.
What are the possible side effects of trifluoperazine?
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.
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 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.
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.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about trifluoperazine.
