What is Trifluoperazine hydrochloride?
Trifluoperazine is an antipsychotic medicine. It works by changing the activity of certain chemicals in the brain.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
This product is available in the following dosage forms:
Tablet, Extended Release
Capsule, Extended Release
Health Benefits
Trifluoperazine hydrochloride is used to treat the following conditions:
Schizophrenia
Anxiety
Agitation
Tourette’s syndrome
Side Effects
Common side effects of Trifluoperazine hydrochloride include:
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Restlessness
Blurred vision
Dry mouth
Weight gain
Less common side effects of Trifluoperazine hydrochloride can include:
Constipation
Diarrhea
Nausea and vomiting
Rash
Changes in blood pressure
Severe side effects of Trifluoperazine hydrochloride can include:
Tardive dyskinesia
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
Seizures
Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Trifluoperazine hydrochloride can also cause a decrease in white blood cells, which can lead to serious infections.
Dosage
The usual starting dose of Trifluoperazine hydrochloride for adults is 10 mg to 15 mg daily. The dose may be increased by 5 mg to 10 mg every three to four days until the desired effect is achieved. The maximum recommended dose is 40 mg per day.
For children ages 6 to 12, the starting dose is 2.5 mg to 5 mg daily. The dose may be increased by 2.5 mg to 5 mg every three to four days as needed. The maximum recommended dose is 20 mg per day.
For children ages 3 to 6, the starting dose is 1 mg daily. The dose may be increased by 0.5 mg every three to four days as needed. The maximum recommended dose is 5 mg per day.
This medicine should be taken with food or milk to avoid stomach upset.
Interactions
Trifluoperazine hydrochloride 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.
Mechanism of Action
Trifluoperazine hydrochloride works by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, appetite, and other functions. By blocking dopamine receptors, trifluoperazine hydrochloride can help to improve symptoms of schizophrenia and other mental disorders.
Pharmacokinetics
Trifluoperazine hydrochloride is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism in the liver. The bioavailability of trifluoperazine hydrochloride is about 50%. Peak plasma concentrations are reached within 3 to 4 hours after oral administration.
The half-life of trifluoperazine hydrochloride is about 24 hours. Trifluoperazine hydrochloride is metabolized in the liver and excreted in the urine.
Alternatives to Trifluoperazine hydrochloride
There are many alternatives to trifluoperazine hydrochloride. Some common ones include:
Aripiprazole (Abilify)
Haloperidol (Haldol)
Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
Risperidone (Risperdal)
Ziprasidone (Geodon)
These drugs work in a similar way to trifluoperazine hydrochloride and can be used to treat the same conditions. Talk to your doctor about which drug is best for you.
Is Olanzapine more effective than Trifluoperazine hydrochloride?
There is no definitive answer to this question as each drug works differently for each person. Olanzapine may be more effective for some people, while trifluoperazine hydrochloride may be more effective for others. Talk to your doctor about which drug is best for you.
How long does it take to work?
It may take several weeks for trifluoperazine hydrochloride to start working. You may not notice the full effects of the drug until it has been taken for several weeks. Do not stop taking trifluoperazine hydrochloride without talking to your doctor, even if you don’t feel it is working.
