Brand Names: Stelazine

Generic Name: trifluoperazine (Pronunciation: trye floo oh PER a zeen)

• 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 is trifluoperazine (Stelazine)?

Trifluoperazine is an anti-psychotic medication in a group of drugs called phenothiazines (FEEN-oh-THYE-a-zeens). It works by changing the actions of chemicals in your brain.

Trifluoperazine is used to treat anxiety or psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia.

Trifluoperazine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Stelazine 1 mg

round, blue, imprinted with SKF S03

Trifluoperazine 1 mg-INV

round, purple, imprinted with INV, 278

Trifluoperazine 1 mg-MYL

round, white, imprinted with M, T3

Trifluoperazine 10 mg-GG

round, lavender, imprinted with 10, GG 58

Trifluoperazine 10 mg-MYL

round, lavender, imprinted with M, T6

Trifluoperazine 2 mg-APH

round, lavender, imprinted with INV 279, 2

Trifluoperazine 2 mg-GG

round, lavender, imprinted with 2, GG 53

Trifluoperazine 2 mg-MYL

round, white, imprinted with M, T4

Trifluoperazine 5 mg-APH

round, lavender, imprinted with INV 280, 5

Trifluoperazine 5 mg-GG

round, lavender, imprinted with 5, GG 55

Trifluoperazine 5 mg-MYL

round, lavender, imprinted with M, T5

What are the possible side effects of trifluoperazine (Stelazine)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using trifluoperazine and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• twitching or uncontrollable movements of your eyes, lips, tongue, face, arms, or legs;
• tremor (uncontrolled shaking), drooling, trouble swallowing, problems with balance or walking;
• feeling restless, jittery, or agitated;
• very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, feeling like you might pass out;
• decreased night vision, tunnel vision, watery eyes, increased sensitivity to light;
• seizure (black-out or convulsions);
• nausea and stomach pain, skin rash, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• urinating less than usual or not at all;
• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, fever, sore throat, flu symptoms;
• joint pain or swelling with fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, chest pain, vomiting, unusual thoughts or behavior, and patchy skin color; or
• slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, slow breathing (breathing may stop).

Less serious side effects may include:

• dizziness, drowsiness, anxiety, sleep problems (insomnia);
• blurred vision, headache;
• dry mouth, stuffy nose;
• constipation;
• breast swelling or discharge;
• missed menstrual periods;
• weight gain, swelling in your hands or feet; or
• impotence, trouble having an orgasm.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Stelazine (trifluoperazine) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about trifluoperazine (Stelazine)?

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have twitching or uncontrollable movements of your eyes, lips, tongue, face, arms, or legs. These could be early signs of dangerous side effects.

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.

Before you take trifluoperazine, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, and if you have ever had a serious side effect while using trifluoperazine or similar medicines. Also, tell your doctor about all other medications you use.