Trilafon (Perphenazine): Side Effects, Risks, and Precautions

Trilafon (perphenazine) is an antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe nausea and vomiting. It is an older medication with a higher risk of side effects compared to newer antipsychotics.

Common Side Effects

• Constipation
• Decreased sweating
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Nasal congestion

Less Common Side Effects

• Changes in menstrual period
• Decreased sexual ability
• Increased skin sensitivity to sunlight
• Swelling or pain in breasts
• Unusual secretion of milk
• Weight gain

Serious Side Effects

• Tardive dyskinesia, a movement disorder that may persist after discontinuing the medication
• Severe muscle stiffness
• Fever
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Rapid heartbeat
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Increased sweating
• Loss of bladder control
• Seizures
• Decreased thirst
• Confusion
• Eye pain
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Rash or hives
• High or low blood pressure
• Tight throat
• Vision loss
• Swelling in the eyes, face, mouth, lips, tongue, throat, arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• Itching
• Unusually pale skin
• Unusual tiredness or weakness

Increased Risk in Elderly Patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis

• Increased risk of death in older adults (aged 65 and above) with dementia-related psychosis

Trilafon Withdrawal Symptoms

• Dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Tremors of the fingers and hands
• Tardive dyskinesia symptoms, such as lip-smacking or puckering, puffing of cheeks, rapid or fine, worm-like movements of the tongue, uncontrolled chewing movements, or uncontrolled movements of arms or legs

Other Medication Options for Bipolar Disorder

• Lithium
• Valproate
• Carbamazepine
• Lamotrigine
• Olanzapine
• Quetiapine
• Risperidone
• Ziprasidone
• Aripiprazole
• Asenapine
• Brexpiprazole
• Cariprazine
• Iloperidone
• Lurasidone
• Paliperidone
• Rexulti
• Vraylar

Precautions

• Trilafon can interact with other medications, including blood thinners, antidepressants, and seizure medications.
• It is important to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements.
• Trilafon should not be used by individuals with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, liver disease, or kidney disease.
• Trilafon should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women.