Approximately 3.2 million people in the United States have schizophrenia. This is a mental disorder that causes a deviation from usual perceptions, normal emotional responses, thought processes and the ability to socialize. This chronic or recurrent psychosis is often characterized by delusions, motor impairment, cognitive impairment, hallucinations, unusual thinking patterns (thought disorder) and other mild to severe (and frequently disabling) symptoms.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health schizophrenia is one of the top 15 leading causes of disability in the world. It is also, unfortunately, a condition that is ultimately expensive to treat because not only are the costs of medications high in the United States, but there is also the loss of productivity, the need for social services and support care, and other indirect costs.
Facts about schizophrenia from the National Alliance on Mental Illness
- Schizophrenia can affect anyone at any age, usually between adolescence and 30 years old.
- To be fully diagnosed as having schizophrenia one must show an increase in difficulty maintaining normal functions and have psychotic (loss of reality) symptoms for at least six months.
- Schizophrenia is a highly treatable disease.
- Some patients may need to try several different antipsychotic medications and doses before finding the medication or medications that work best for their personal condition.
- People with schizophrenia who are being treated by medications are not more prone to violence than anyone else.
Antipsychotic medications are often used in the treatment for schizophrenia. Trifluoperazine is a generic medication containing the active ingredient trifluoperazine hydrochloride. It belongs to a class of drugs known as phenothiazine antipsychotics. This medication works by balancing certain substances within the brain, helping the patient feel more at ease with less anxiety, nervousness and/or aggression.
What medical conditions does Trifluoperazine treat?
Trifluoperazine is used to treat several conditions including:
- Anxiety (generalized non-psychotic)
- Schizophrenia
- Other mood or mental disorders
How is Trifluoperazine prescribed?
The dosage of this prescription medication depends on the doctor’s assessment of the patient’s medical condition, age, and response to this and other medications like it. The medication is usually prescribed at a lower dose to begin with and then, based on how the patient responds to treatment, the dosage may be increased gradually.
This medication must be taken exactly as prescribed. It may take up to three weeks before the patient will feel the full benefits of Trifluoperazine.
Do not stop taking this medication without consulting with your doctor.
Generic Trifluoperazine is available in the following strengths:
Trifluoperazine – 1 mg tablets
Trifluoperazine – 2 mg tablets
Trifluoperazine – 5 mg tablets
Trifluoperazine – 10 mg tablets
Trifluoperazine – 20 mg tablets
What are the side effects of Trifluoperazine?
Common side effects of Trifluoperazine include:
- Constipation
- Weight gain
- Blurred vision
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Muscle/nervous system problems
Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of the following side effects:
- Restlessness
- Anxiety or agitation
- Trouble swallowing
- Shaking or tremors
- Stiff muscles
- Muscle spasms
- Swelling of the feet/ankles
- Joint pain
- Vision changes
This is not a complete list of side effects. Consult with your pharmacist about the complete list of side effects and what to do should you experience any side effects.
Getting the support you need.
The Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America (SARDAA) mission is the following: “Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America improve lives affected by schizophrenia-related brain illnesses (mental illnesses involving psychosis). SARDAA promotes hope and recovery through support programs, education, collaboration, and advocacy. Our vision is that every person living with a schizophrenia-related brain disorder receives respect, appropriate treatment and an opportunity to live a meaningful and satisfying life in a compassionate community free of discrimination.”
If you have questions about your prescription medications or any other medication, please contact our team at Canada Online Health by calling toll free 1-800-399-DRUG (3784). One of our patient representatives will be happy to assist you or transfer you to a licensed Canadian pharmacist for a free consultation.
This article contains medical information provided to help you better understand this particular medical condition or process, and may contain information about medication often used as part of a treatment plan prescribed by a doctor. It is not intended to be used as either a diagnosis or recommendation for treatment of your particular medical situation. If you are unwell, concerned about your physical or mental state, or are experiencing symptoms you should speak with your doctor or primary health care provider. If you are in medical distress please contact emergency services (such as 911).
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