How does it work?

Trifluoperazine belongs to a group of medications known as phenothiazine antipsychotics. It is sometimes referred to as a 'major tranquilliser'. It acts by blocking a variety of receptors in the brain, particularly dopamine receptors. Dopamine is involved in transmitting signals between brain cells. When there is an excess amount of dopamine in the brain it causes over-stimulation of dopamine receptors. These receptors normally act to modify behaviour and over-stimulation may result in psychotic illness. Trifluoperazine blocks these receptors and stops them becoming over-stimulated, thereby helping to control psychotic illness. Trifluoperazine is primarily used in the control of psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia, however, it also affects receptors in an area of the brain that controls nausea and vomiting.

What is it used for?

Agitation

Anxiety (short term use)

Nausea and vomiting

Psychotic illness

Schizophrenia

Violent and dangerous behaviour

Warning!

You should not suddenly stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Do not drink alcohol whilst taking this medicine.

Consult your doctor immediately if you experience abnormal movements, particularly of the face, lips, jaw and tongue, while taking this medicine. These symptoms may be indicative of a rare side effect known as tardive dyskinesia, and your doctor may ask you to stop taking this medicine, or decrease your dose.

Consult your doctor immediately if you experience the following symptoms while taking this medicine: high fever, sweating, muscle stiffness, faster breathing and drowsiness or sleepiness. These symptoms may be due to a rare side effect known as the neuroleptic malignant syndrome, and your treatment may need to be stopped.

Use with caution in

Abnormal muscle weakness

Angina pectoris

Closed angle glaucoma

Decreased blood cell production by the bone marrow

Disease involving the heart and blood vessels

Elderly people

Enlarged prostate gland

Epilepsy

History of jaundice

Irregular heart beats (arrhythmias)

Parkinson's disease

Not to be used in

Allergy to phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine and prochlorperazine

Blood disorders

Heart failure

Liver disease

Unresponsive unconscious states (comatose states)

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than the possible risk to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

There is no information available regarding the safety of this medicine during breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Blurred vision

Dry mouth

Difficulty in sleeping (insomnia)

A drop in blood pressure that occurs when going from lying down to sitting or standing, which results in dizziness and lightheadedness (postural hypotension)

Drowsiness

Blood disorders

Weight gain

Abnormal reaction of the skin to light, usually a rash (photosensitivity)

Rash (allergic reaction)

Abnormal movements of the hands, legs, face, neck and tongue, eg tremor, twitching, rigidity (extrapyramidal effects)

Rhythmical involuntary movement of the tongue, face, mouth and jaw, which may sometimes be accompanied by involuntary movements of the arms and legs (tardive dyskinesia)

Uncontrolled rolling of the eyes and neck (oculogyric crisis). Requires immediate treatment.

High temperature combined with falling levels of consciousness, paleness, sweating and a fast heart beat (neuroleptic malignant syndrome). Requires stopping the medicine and immediate medical treatment.

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Go To Next Page>>
The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use



© Copyright 1998 - 2004 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved