Trifluoperazine (By Mouth)

Trifluoperazine (trye-floo-oh-PER-a-zeen)

Treats psychotic disorders and anxiety. Sometimes given for nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. Belongs to a class of drugs called phenothiazines.

Brand Name(s):

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to trifluoperazine or to any other phenothiazines, such as Mellaril®, Prolixin®, Thorazine®, or Trilafon®.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Capsule, Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how often.
• Take with food to avoid stomach upset.
• Measure the oral liquid using the marked dropper that comes with the medicine. Mix with a full glass of water, milk, juice, or soda pop. Drink the medicine right away. Avoid getting this medicine on your skin.

If a dose is missed:

• Take the missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for your next regular dose, wait until then to take your medicine and skip the missed dose.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking other drugs that can make you sleepy such as narcotic pain killers, sleeping pills, sedatives, or cold or allergy medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
• Let your doctor know if you have a history of breast cancer, epilepsy, glaucoma, prostate problems, lung, heart, kidney or liver disease, or Parkinson's disease.
• Trifluoperazine may make you dizzy and drowsy. If it does, avoid driving a car or operating machinery.
• Get up slowly from a lying or sitting position to avoid dizziness from this medicine.
• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Try not to spend long periods in direct sunlight and protect your skin from the sun.
• While taking this medicine, you might become more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. Dress warmly in cold weather and don't stay outside too long. Avoid becoming overheated during hot weather.
• There is a risk side effects that include muscle spasms, twitching in the face and body, and uncontrolled tongue or jaw movement. Talk to your doctor about this risk.
• Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without first talking to your doctor. You may need to take smaller and smaller doses before completely stopping.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Skin rash
• Sore throat or fever
• Rapid breathing or heartbeat
• Severe stiffness
• Convulsions
• Spasms of neck, face or back
• Muscle twitching or jerking

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Drowsiness or dizziness
• Agitation or restlessness
• Nausea
• Dry mouth
• Loss of appetite
• Blurred vision
• Loss of interest in sex or loss of ability to have sex
• Sensitivity to sunlight

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.