Trifluoperazine Hydrochloride
Generic Name:
Trifluoperazine hydrochloride
Brand Names:
Terfluzine, Stelazine
Trifluoperazine Hydrochloride Description:
Trifluoperazine hydrochloride belongs to a class of drugs known as conventional antipsychotics, or typical antipsychotics, prescribed to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia. Trifluoperazine hydrochloride works to reduce abnormal activity in the brain that is believed to cause schizophrenia. The medication may also be used on a short-term basis to treat nonpsychotic anxiety in some patients.
Trifluoperazine Hydrochloride Side Effects:
Serious neuromuscular side effects of trifluoperazine hydrochloride include:
- Dystonia
- Motor restlessness
- Pseudoparkinsonism
- Restless leg syndrome
- Tardive dyskinesia
For more information, see our trifluoperazine hydrochloride side effects page.
Trifluoperazine Hydrochloride Uses:
Trifluoperazine hydrochloride is used in the treatment of schizophrenia, a chronic psychotic disorder characterized by symptoms including delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, emotional unresponsiveness, and social withdrawal. The medication works to block dopamine D2 receptors in the brain to ease symptoms of schizophrenia.
Trifluoperazine Hydrochloride Interactions:
Tell your doctor about all prescription and non-prescription medications you may be taking along with trifluoperazine hydrochloride, including vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products. The following drugs should not be taken in combination with trifluoperazine hydrochloride, as interactions may occur:
- Anticoagulants such as warfarin (Coumadin)
- Antidepressants
- Antihistamines
- Anxiety medications
- Atropine (found in Motofen, Lomotil, and Lonox)
- Barbiturates such as pentobarbital (Nembutal), phenobarbital (Luminal), and secobarbital (Seconal)
- Diuretics
- Epinephrine (Epipen)
- Ipratropium (Atrovent)
- Irritable bowel disease treatments
- Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)
- Motion sickness medications
- Narcotic pain medications
- Parkinson's disease medications
- Phenytoin (Dilantin) and some other seizure medications
- Propranolol (Inderal)
- Sedatives, sleeping pills, and tranquilizers
- St. John's wort
- Ulcer medications
Trifluoperazine Hydrochloride Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
For the treatment of schizophrenia in adults, patients are typically prescribed 1-2 mg of trifluoperazine hydrochloride twice daily.
For the treatment of nonpsychotic anxiety in adults, patients are typically prescribed 1-2 mg twice daily, and treatment should not exceed 12 weeks.
Missing a Dose of Trifluoperazine Hydrochloride
If you miss a dose of trifluoperazine hydrochloride, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and wait to return to your regular dosing schedule.
Trifluoperazine Hydrochloride Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medication. Symptoms of overdose include excessive sleepiness, loss of consciousness, irregular heartbeat, seizures, fever, restlessness, agitation, or uncontrollable movements of the body.
Trifluoperazine Hydrochloride FDA Approval:
November 20, 1981
Trifluoperazine Hydrochloride Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
Trifluoperazine hydrochloride and other conventional antipsychotics carry a Black Box warning informing consumers and health care professionals that the medication may increase the risk of death when taken by elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis. Because of this risk, trifluoperazine hydrochloride is not approved for use in the treatment of such patients.
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September 9, 2010, 3:38 pm
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September 7, 2010, 9:59 am
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September 2, 2010, 12:51 pm
