home > drugs a-z list > stelazine (trifluoperazine) drug center > stelazine (trifluoperazine) drug - consumer side effects and precautions

To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.

This drug may cause muscle/nervous system problems (extrapyramidal symptoms-EPS). Your doctor may prescribe another medication to decrease these side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following side effects: feelings of anxiety/agitation/jitteriness, drooling/trouble swallowing, restlessness/constant need to move, shaking (tremor), shuffling walk, stiff muscles, severe muscle spasms/cramping (such as twisting neck, arching back, eyes rolling up), mask-like expression of the face.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: difficulty urinating, sunburn-like rash (sun sensitivity), decreased cough reflex, swelling of the feet/ankles, butterfly-shaped rash on nose and cheeks, joint/muscle pain, skin discoloration, eye/vision changes, feeling unusually cold or hot, muscle weakness.

Infrequently, this medication may cause face/muscle twitching and uncontrollable movements (tardive dyskinesia). In some cases, this condition may be permanent. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any uncontrollable movements such as lip smacking, mouth puckering, tongue thrusting, chewing, or unusual arm/leg movements.

In rare cases, trifluoperazine may increase your level of a certain chemical made by the body (prolactin). For females, this increase in prolactin may result in unwanted breast milk, missed/stopped periods, or difficulty becoming pregnant. For males, it may result in decreased sexual ability, inability to produce sperm, or enlarged breasts. If you develop any of these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately.

Rarely, males may have a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours. If this occurs, stop using this drug and seek immediate medical attention, or permanent problems could occur.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: signs of liver problems (such as yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, persistent nausea, vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain), signs of infection (such as fever, persistent sore throat), easy bruising/bleeding, signs of anemia (such as severe tiredness, fast breathing, pale skin, fast heartbeat), mental/mood changes (such as worsening psychosis, unresponsive/catatonic state).

Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: slowed breathing, chest pain, seizures.

This drug may rarely cause a serious (sometimes fatal) nervous system problem (neuroleptic malignant syndrome-NMS). Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following side effects: fever, stiff muscles, increased sweating, fast/irregular heartbeat, sudden mental/mood changes (such as confusion, loss of consciousness), change in the amount of urine.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: See also Warning section.

Before taking trifluoperazine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other phenothiazines (such as chlorpromazine, perphenazine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used in a patient who is unconscious or intoxicated with alcohol/narcotics/other drugs that cause drowsiness/slowed breathing.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver problems, kidney problems, heart problems (such as mitral valve insufficiency, abnormal heart rhythm, angina), low blood pressure, blockage of the intestines, glaucoma, seizures, enlarged prostate, breathing problems (such as severe asthma, emphysema, lung infections), blood disorders (such as bone marrow depression, low red/white/platelet blood cell counts), low levels of calcium in the blood, loss of too much body water (dehydration), breast cancer, brain disorder/tumor/injury, exposure to organophosphate insecticides, pheochromocytoma, drug/alcohol/substance abuse, Parkinson's disease.

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages.

Before having surgery or imaging procedures (such as certain X-rays, CT scans) requiring the use of contrast dye (such as metrizamide), tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication and about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.

This medication may decrease your ability to sweat, making you more likely to get heat stroke. Avoid activities that may cause you to overheat (such as doing strenuous work/exercise in hot weather, using hot tubs). When the weather is hot, drink plenty of fluids and dress lightly. If you become overheated, promptly seek cooler shelter and stop exercising. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop a fever, mental/mood changes, headache, or dizziness.

Children with acute illnesses (such as a viral infection, dehydration) are at increased risk for serious muscle problems during trifluoperazine treatment. Consult the doctor for more details.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness, drowsiness, uncontrollable movements, and anticholinergic effects (such as constipation, difficulty urinating, and blurred vision).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication unless directed by your doctor. Babies born to mothers who have used this drug during the last 3 months of pregnancy may infrequently develop symptoms including muscle stiffness or shakiness, drowsiness, feeding/breathing difficulties, or constant crying. If you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn anytime during their first month, tell the doctor right away.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. However, similar drugs pass into breast milk, and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.