About trifluoperazine
First-generation antipsychotic (phenothiazine)
Used for
- Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders
- Short-term treatment of severe anxiety
Usual adult dose
Psychosis: usually 2–5 mg twice daily initially, adjusted to response. Anxiety: usually 1–2 mg twice daily; short-term use only.
Usual dose in children
For children aged 6 years and older, specialist-directed dosing varies by age and condition; not recommended for anxiety in children.
Common side effects
- Drowsiness, dizziness, and blurred vision
- Movement problems, including stiffness or tremor
- Dry mouth, constipation, or difficulty urinating
- Weight changes or raised prolactin
Important warnings
- Can cause serious movement disorders, especially with prolonged use.
- Seek urgent care for fever, severe stiffness, confusion, or irregular heartbeat.
- May cause dizziness on standing and increase falls risk.
- Use caution with seizures, heart disease, liver problems, or older age.
Pregnancy
Use only when clearly needed; late-pregnancy exposure may cause newborn movement or withdrawal symptoms.
Breastfeeding
May enter breast milk and cause infant drowsiness or movement effects; clinical advice is needed.
Interactions
- Alcohol, opioids, and sedatives can increase drowsiness.
- Medicines that prolong the QT interval may increase abnormal heart rhythm risk.
- Levodopa and dopamine medicines may have reduced effects.
- Anticholinergic medicines can worsen constipation, blurred vision, and urinary difficulty.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.