trifluoperazine Health Article

Generic name(s):

trifluoperazine

Brand name(s):

Stelazine

What is the most important information I should know about trifluoperazine?

Call your doctor immediately if you have uncontrollable movements of the mouth, tongue, cheeks, jaw, arms, or legs. Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Trifluoperazine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

Dizziness may be more likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly to prevent dizziness and a possible fall.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking trifluoperazine.

What is trifluoperazine?

Trifluoperazine is in a class of drugs called phenothiazines. It works by changing the actions of chemicals in the brain.

Trifluoperazine is used to treat psychotic disorders and anxiety.

Trifluoperazine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking trifluoperazine?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

• a bone marrow disease,

• glaucoma,

• seizures,

• Parkinson's disease,

• enlargement of the prostate or difficulty urinating,

• liver disease, or
• kidney disease.

You may not be able to take trifluoperazine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

It is not known whether trifluoperazine will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take trifluoperazine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether trifluoperazine passes into breast milk. Do not take trifluoperazine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from trifluoperazine. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of this medication.

How should I take trifluoperazine?

Take trifluoperazine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. Trifluoperazine can be taken with or without food or milk.

Mix the liquid with at least 2 ounces (60 mL) of water, tomato or fruit juice, milk, simple syrup, orange syrup, soda, coffee, tea, or a semisolid food such as pudding or soup just before taking it.

Do not let the liquid touch the skin or clothing.

Your healthcare provider will administer the injectable form of trifluoperazine.

Do not stop taking trifluoperazine without first talking to your doctor. It may be several weeks before you begin to feel better, and you may require continuous treatment for quite some time. Talk to your doctor before you stop taking this medication.

Trifluoperazine liquid should have a clear to slightly yellowish color. Throw away any discolored liquid.

Store trifluoperazine at room temperature. Store the liquid in a light-resistant container.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you take one dose of trifluoperazine a day, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then go back to your regular schedule the next day. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.

If you are taking trifluoperazine on a regular schedule several times a day, take the missed dose within 1 hour of its regular time. If more than 1 hour has passed, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.