Trilafon (Perphenazine)

Indications

Trilafon is used to treat certain mental/mood disorders such as schizophrenia, manic phase of bipolar disorder, and schizoaffective disorder. Trilafon is a brand name for the antipsychotic medication perphenazine. Perphenazine belongs to a class of drugs called phenothiazines and works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain.

Perphenazine can help to control your symptoms but will not cure your condition. It is also used to control severe nausea and vomiting in adults. It helps you to think more clearly, feel less nervous, and take part in everyday life. It can reduce aggressive behavior and the desire to hurt yourself/others

Uses and Dosage

Perphenazine is an oral tablet that should be taken two to four times a day at around the same time each day. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or do not understand any part of it. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

The recommended dosage of perphenazine varies depending on the condition being treated, individual patient factors, and other medications being taken. The typical starting dose can range from 4mg to 8mg, taken orally three times a day for schizophrenia. The maximum recommended dose is 24mg in a day, but a dose reduction to the minimum effective dose as soon as possible is desirable. The optimal clinical effect or benefit may be achieved at dosages of 24mg occasionally. Elderly patients may require a lower dosage to start.

Continue taking perphenazine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking perphenazine without talking to your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking perphenazine, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness, and shakiness. Your doctor will decrease your dose gradually and may prescribe other medication(s) for you to take for several weeks after you stop taking perphenazine to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Side effect

Common Side Effects of Trilafon (Perphenazine):

• Blurred vision
• Breast swelling or discharge
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Increased sweating
• Increased urination
• Loss of appetite
• Mild dizziness
• Mild itching
• Skin rash
• Sleep problems (insomnia)
• Strange dreams
• Stuffy nose
• Vomiting

Serious Side Effects of Trilafon (Perphenazine):

• Agitation
• Chills
• Confusion
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness
• Extreme drowsiness
• Fast or uneven heartbeats
• Fever
• High fever
• Hives
• Ill-feeling
• Jitteriness
• Lightheadedness
• Little or no urinating
• Mouth sores
• New or unusual muscle movements that cannot control
• Red or swollen gums
• Restless
• Seizure
• Severe bloating
• Slow heart rate
• Sore throat
• Stomach cramps
• Sudden weakness
• Sweating
• Swelling of the face lips tongue or throat
• Tremors or shaking in arms or legs
• Trouble swallowing
• Uncontrolled muscle movements in the face (chewing lip-smacking frowning tongue movement blinking or eye movement)
• Unusual thoughts or behavior
• Very stiffness (rigid) muscles
• Weak or shallow breathing
• Weak pulse

Form and Strength

Trilafon (Perphenazine) is available in the following forms and strength:

Perphenazine: Tablet

• 2 mg
• 4 mg
• 8 mg
• 16 mg

Caution

• Increased risk of agranulocytosis (a potentially life-threatening drop in white blood cells)
• Increased risk of death in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis
• Trilafon should not be used during pregnancy unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks to the fetus, and it is not recommended for use while breastfeeding
• Increased risk of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a potentially life-threatening reaction to antipsychotic medication).
• Trilafon may impair your ability to operate machinery or drive, so caution should be used when performing these activities.
• There is a risk of developing neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a rare but potentially fatal reaction to antipsychotic medication, while taking Trilafon
• Increased risk of QT prolongation (a heart rhythm disorder that can cause severe, fast, or uneven heartbeat).
• People who are allergic to perphenazine or other phenothiazine medications should not take Trilafon
• Perphenazine may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially when standing up, which can lead to dizziness and fainting
• Perphenazine may increase the risk of seizures in people with a history of seizures
• Perphenazine may interact with other medications, including antihistamines, antidepressants, and alcohol
• The longer you use perphenazine, the more likely you are to develop a movement disorder called tardive dyskinesia (a condition characterized by involuntary movements of the face, tongue, or other body parts)
• The possibility of suicide in depressed patients remains during treatment with perphenazin in young adults with major depressive disorder or other psychiatric disorders

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does it take for Trilafon to start working?

The amount of time it takes for Trilafon to start working can vary depending on the individual, but it usually takes several days to several weeks for the full effects of the medication to be felt.

Can Trilafon be addictive?

Trilafon is not considered to be addictive, but sudden withdrawal of the medication may lead to withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Patients should consult with their healthcare provider before discontinuing Trilafon

Can Trilafon cause weight gain?

Yes, weight gain is a potential side effect of Trilafon. Patients taking this medication should talk to their healthcare provider about monitoring their weight and other potential side effects

Resources

• https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682165.html
• https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2002/10775s311213s24lbl.pdf
• https://www.drugs.com/mtm/trilafon.html
• https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-7068/trilafon-oral/details
• https://www.rxlist.com/perphenazine/generic-drug.htm
• https://www.goodrx.com/perphenazine/what-is