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In this Article

• What is trifluoperazine (Stelazine)?
• What are the possible side effects of trifluoperazine (Stelazine)?
• What is the most important information I should know about trifluoperazine (Stelazine)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking oral trifluoperazine (Stelazine)?
• How should I take trifluoperazine (Stelazine)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Stelazine)?
• What happens if I overdose (Stelazine)?
• What should I avoid while taking trifluoperazine (Stelazine)?
• What other drugs will affect trifluoperazine (Stelazine)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking oral trifluoperazine (Stelazine)?

Trifluoperazine is not for use in psychotic conditions related to dementia. Trifluoperazine may cause heart failure, sudden death, or pneumonia in older adults with dementia-related conditions.

Do not use trifluoperazine if you have liver disease, brain damage, bone marrow depression, a blood cell disorder (such as low platelets or low red or white blood cell counts), or if you are also using large amounts of alcohol or medicines that make you sleepy. Do not use if you are allergic to trifluoperazine or other phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Permitil), perphenazine (Trilafon), prochlorperazine (Compazine, Compro), promethazine (Adgan, Pentazine, Phenergan), or thioridazine (Mellaril).

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before you take trifluoperazine, tell your doctor if you have:

• heart disease high blood pressure, or angina (chest pain);
• severe asthma, emphysema, or other breathing problem;
• glaucoma;
• a history of seizures;
• adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma);
• Parkinson's disease;
• enlarged prostate or urination problems;
• low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia);
• past or present breast cancer; or
• if you have ever had a serious side effect while using trifluoperazine or another phenothiazine.

Tell your doctor if you will be exposed to extreme heat or cold, or to insecticide poisons while you are taking trifluoperazine.

It is not known whether trifluoperazine will harm an unborn baby. Trifluoperazine may cause side effects in a newborn if the mother takes the medication during pregnancy. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while taking trifluoperazine.

Trifluoperazine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from this medication.

Talk with your doctor before giving this medication to a child who has been ill with a fever or flu symptoms.

How should I take trifluoperazine (Stelazine)?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while taking trifluoperazine.

This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using trifluoperazine.

If you need to have an x-ray or CT scan of your spinal column using a dye that is injected into a vein, you may need to temporarily stop taking trifluoperazine. Be sure the doctor knows ahead of time that you are using this medication.

Do not stop using trifluoperazine suddenly after long-term use, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or feeling shaky. Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when you stop using trifluoperazine.

Store trifluoperazine at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.