Trifluoperazine, Oral Tablet

Highlights for trifluoperazine

Important warnings

Other warnings

• Tardive dyskinesia warning: This drug may cause tardive dyskinesia. This is a serious condition that causes movements you can’t control in your face, tongue, or other body parts. This condition may not go away even if you stop taking this drug. Talk to your doctor right away if you have symptoms. Your doctor may stop your treatment with this medication.
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) warning: In rare cases, this drug may cause NMS. This is a life-threatening reaction. Symptoms can include high fever, muscle stiffness, confusion, and unstable blood pressure. They can also include a fast heart rate, heavy sweating, and arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm). Call your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of NMS. Your doctor may stop your treatment with this drug.
• Infections warning: This drug can lower your white blood cell count. This may lead to infections. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of infection, which can include fever, body aches, and chills. Your doctor will check your white blood cell counts before and during your treatment with this drug. If the counts drop too low, your doctor will stop your treatment with this drug.
• Dementia warning: Research has indicated that this medication, which is a drug called an anticholinergic, can raise your risk of dementia.

What is trifluoperazine?

Trifluoperazine is a prescription drug. It comes as an oral tablet.

Trifluoperazine is only available as a generic drug. Generic drugs usually cost less than brand-name drugs.

Trifluoperazine may be used as part of a combination therapy. This means you may need to take it with other medications.

Why it’s used

Trifluoperazine is used to treat schizophrenia and anxiety.

How it works

Trifluoperazine belongs to a class of drugs called antipsychotics. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions.

It isn’t known exactly how this drug works. It may help control the amount of a chemical called dopamine in your brain. Dopamine plays a role in both schizophrenia and anxiety. Controlling it may improve your condition.

Trifluoperazine side effects

Trifluoperazine oral tablet may cause drowsiness. It can also cause other side effects.

More common side effects

The more common side effects of trifluoperazine can include:

• drowsiness
• dizziness
• skin reactions, such as:
  • skin darkening
  • redness
  • itchiness
  • irritation
  • dryness
  • increased sweating
• rash
• dry mouth
• sleeping trouble
• loss of ovulation and menstrual period (tends to be temporary)
• fatigue
• muscle weakness
• loss of appetite
• lactation (producing breast milk)
• blurry vision
• restlessness or feeling like you have to move

If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:

• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Symptoms can include:
  • fever
  • stiff muscles
  • confusion
  • sweating
  • changes in heart rate and pulse
  • unstable blood pressure
• Tardive dyskinesia. Symptoms can include:
  • being unable to control your face, tongue, mouth, jaw, or other body parts
• Low white blood cell count. This may lead to an infection. Symptoms of an infection can include:
  • fever
  • body aches
  • chills
• Orthostatic hypotension. This is a sudden drop in blood pressure when you stand up from a sitting or lying position. Symptoms can include:
  • lightheadedness or fainting
• Trouble controlling your body temperature (may cause you to feel too warm)
• Seizures

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare provider who knows your medical history.

Trifluoperazine may interact with other medications

Trifluoperazine oral tablet can interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbs you may be taking. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well.

To help avoid interactions, your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, or herbs you’re taking. To find out how this drug might interact with something else you’re taking, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Examples of drugs that can cause interactions with trifluoperazine are listed below.

Interactions that increase your risk of side effects

Increased side effects from other drugs: Taking trifluoperazine with certain medications raises your risk of side effects from those drugs. Examples include:

• Thiazide diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide and chlorthalidone. Taking these drugs together may cause a drop in blood pressure when you get up after sitting or lying down. This may cause dizziness.

Increased side effects from both drugs: Taking trifluoperazine with certain medications raises your risk of side effects. Examples of these drugs include:

• Propranolol. Your doctor may change your dosage of either drug if you have increased side effects.

Interactions that can make your drugs less effective

When other drugs are less effective: When certain drugs are used with trifluoperazine, they may not work as well. Examples include:

• Blood thinner drugs such as warfarin, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and dabigatran. Trifluoperazine may decrease the effect of oral blood thinner drugs.

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs interact differently in each person, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible interactions. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your healthcare provider about possible interactions with all prescription drugs, vitamins, herbs and supplements, and over-the-counter drugs that you are taking.

Trifluoperazine warnings

This drug comes with several warnings.

Allergy warning

This drug can cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms can include:

• trouble breathing
• swelling of your throat or tongue
• rash
• hives
• itching

If you develop these symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Don’t take this drug again if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to it. Taking it again could be fatal (cause death).

Alcohol interaction warning

Drinking alcohol can increase your risk of side effects from this drug. If you drink alcohol, talk to your doctor.

Warnings for people with certain health conditions

For people with a heart condition: Tell your doctor about your heart issue before starting this drug. They’ll tell you if this drug is safe for you.

For people with seizures or epilepsy: This drug may cause you to have more seizures. Ask your doctor if this drug is safe for you. You should also talk to your doctor if you have a condition that could cause you to have seizures more easily, such as Alzheimer’s disease.

For people with a low white blood cell count: Tell your doctor if you have a history of low white blood cell levels before starting treatment. This drug can further lower your white blood cell levels.

For people with glaucoma: Ask your doctor if this drug is safe for you. This drug can dilate your pupils (widen the dark area in the middle of your eye).

For people with liver problems: This drug is broken down in the liver. If you have liver damage, you may not be able to break down this drug very well. This can lead to increased side effects. If you have liver damage, ask your doctor if this drug is safe for you.

For people with diabetes: This drug can increase your blood sugar levels. In rare cases, it can decrease blood sugar levels. You and your doctor should monitor your blood sugar levels more closely during treatment. If your blood sugar levels increase, your doctor may change your diabetes medications.

Warnings for other groups

For pregnant women: It has not been established that this drug is safe for use during pregnancy.

Talk to your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This drug should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk.

If you become pregnant while taking this drug, call your doctor right away.

For women who are breastfeeding: Trifluoperazine may pass into breast milk and cause side effects in a child who is breastfed. Talk to your doctor if you breastfeed your child. You may need to decide whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking this medication.

For seniors: The kidneys and liver of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, a higher amount of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk of side effects.

If you’re older than 65 years, you may be at higher risk of low blood pressure and muscle problems from this drug.

For children: This medication has not been studied in children with schizophrenia who are younger than 6 years. It should not be used in children younger than 6 years for this condition.

This drug has not been studied in children with anxiety. It should not be used in children younger than 18 years for treating anxiety.

How to take trifluoperazine

All possible dosages and drug forms may not be included here. Your dosage, drug form, and how often you take the drug will depend on:

• your age
• the condition being treated
• how severe your condition is
• other medical conditions you have
• how you react to the first dose

The dosage information below is for the conditions that this drug is most often prescribed to treat. This list may not contain all conditions that your doctor can prescribe this drug for. If you have questions about your prescription, talk with your doctor.

Drug form and strengths

Generic: Trifluoperazine

• Form: oral tablet
• Strengths: 1 mg, 2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg

Dosage for schizophrenia

Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years)

• Typical starting dosage: 2–5 mg twice per day.
• Dosage increases: Your doctor will increase your dosage slowly until your body responds to it or can’t tolerate the side effects.
• Typical dosage: 15–20 mg per day in divided doses. Some people may require 40 mg per day or more.

Child dosage (ages 13–17 years)

• Typical starting dosage: 2–5 mg twice per day.
• Dosage increases: Your doctor will increase your child’s dosage slowly until their body responds to it or can’t tolerate the side effects.
• Typical dosage: 15–20 mg per day in divided doses. Some people may require 40 mg per day or more.

Child dosage (ages 6–12 years)

• Typical starting dosage: 1 mg once or twice per day.
• Dosage increases: Your doctor will increase your child’s dosage slowly until their body responds to it or can’t tolerate the side effects.
• Typical dosage: Most children respond to 15 mg per day. Older children with severe symptoms may need higher dosages.

Child dosage (ages 0–5 years)

This drug has not been studied in children with schizophrenia who are younger than 6 years. It should not be used in children younger than 6 years of age for this condition.

Senior dosage (ages 65 years and older)

The kidneys and liver of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, a higher amount of the drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk of side effects.

Your doctor may start you on a lowered dosage or a different dosing schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in your body.

Dosage for anxiety

Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years)

• Typical starting dosage: 1–2 mg twice per day.
• Maximum dosage: 6 mg per day.
• Treatment duration: You should not take this drug for longer than 12 weeks for this condition.

Child dosage (ages 0–17 years)

This medication has not been studied in children with anxiety. It should not be used in children younger than 18 years of age for this condition.

Senior dosage (ages 65 years and older)

The kidneys and liver of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, a higher amount of the drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk of side effects.

Your doctor may start you on a lowered dosage or a different dosing schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in your body.

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this list includes all possible dosages. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your doctor or pharmacist about dosages that are right for you.

Take as directed

Trifluoperazine oral tablet is used for long-term treatment of schizophrenia and short-term treatment of anxiety. It comes with serious risks if you don’t take it as prescribed.

If you stop taking the drug suddenly or don’t take it at all: If you stop taking this drug suddenly or change your dosage without talking to your doctor, you increase your risk of developing neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). If you don’t take this drug at all, your symptoms of schizophrenia or anxiety likely won’t improve.

If you miss doses or don’t take the drug on schedule: Your medication may not work as well or may stop working completely. For this drug to work well, a certain amount needs to be in your body at all times.

If you take too much: You could have dangerous levels of the drug in your body. Symptoms of an overdose of this drug can include:

• spasms of your neck muscles
• trouble swallowing
• trouble breathing
• sticking your tongue out uncontrollably
• sleepiness or drowsiness
• coma
• agitation or restlessness
• seizures
• dry mouth

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor or seek guidance from the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or through their online tool. But if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

What to do if you miss a dose: Take your dose as soon as you remember. If you remember just a few hours before your next scheduled dose, take only one dose. Never try to catch up by taking two doses at once. This could result in dangerous side effects. If you’re not sure about your dosing, call your doctor.

How to tell if the drug is working: Your symptoms should get better.

Important considerations for taking trifluoperazine

Keep these considerations in mind if your doctor prescribes trifluoperazine for you.

General

• You can take this drug with or without food. Taking it with food may help reduce upset stomach.
• Take this drug at the time(s) recommended by your doctor.
• You can cut or crush the tablet.

Storage

• Store trifluoperazine at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C).
• Keep this drug in the container it comes in.
• Don’t store this medication in moist or damp areas, such as bathrooms.

Refills

A prescription for this medication is refillable. You should not need a new prescription for this medication to be refilled. Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription.

Travel

When traveling with your medication:

• Always carry your medication with you. When flying, never put it into a checked bag. Keep it in your carry-on bag.
• Don’t worry about airport X-ray machines. They can’t harm your medication.
• You may need to show airport staff the pharmacy label for your medication. Always carry the original prescription-labeled container with you.
• Don’t put this medication in your car’s glove compartment or leave it in the car. Be sure to avoid doing this when the weather is very hot or very cold.

Clinical monitoring

Your doctor may monitor certain health issues while you take this drug. This can help make sure you stay safe during your treatment. These issues include your:

• White blood cell levels. This drug may lower your white blood cell count. Your doctor will check your white blood cell levels before and during treatment with this drug. If they drop too low, your doctor will stop your treatment with this drug.
• Heart rate and blood pressure. Your doctor will check your heart rate and blood pressure before and during your treatment with this drug. If either one drops too low, your doctor may stop your treatment with this drug.

Sun sensitivity

This drug can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. This increases your risk of sunburn. Avoid the sun if you can. If you can’t, be sure to apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing.

Availability

Not every pharmacy stocks this drug. When filling your prescription, be sure to call ahead to make sure your pharmacy carries it.

Are there any alternatives?

There are other drugs available to treat your condition. Some may be better suited for you than others. Talk to your doctor about other drug options that may work for you.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.