Indications 

Trilafon is a prescription medicine indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia and the management of severe nausea and vomiting in adults. 

Trilafon is classified as an antipsychotic medication. While its precise mechanism of action remains unclear, it is believed to assist in rebalancing specific natural brain substances, such as dopamine. This contributes to the regulation of thoughts and mood, along with alleviating severe nausea and vomiting. 

Uses and Dosage 

Before taking Trilafon and with every prescription refill, carefully review its medication guide and patient information leaflet. For any questions, do not hesitate to consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist. 

Trilafon’s dosage is individualized according to the severity of the condition and treatment response.  

Initial dosing might be conservative, with gradual increments to minimize potential side effects like muscle spasms. Adhere closely to your doctor’s instructions. 

Typically, Trilafon is taken 1-3 times daily, as prescribed by the doctor, irrespective of food consumption. 

For optimal results, take this medication consistently at around the same time(s) each day. 

Consult your doctor before discontinuing Trilafon, as abrupt cessation may exacerbate your condition, necessitating a gradual dose reduction. 

Side Effects 

Listed below are the potential adverse effects of Trilafon. Tell your doctor promptly if any of these symptoms persist or deteriorate. 

Common Side Effects 

• Slight dizziness or drowsiness 
• Blurred vision and headaches 
• Sleep disturbances like insomnia or unusual dreams 
• Changes in appetite, with potential vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation 
• Increased sweating or urination 
• Dry mouth or nasal congestion 
• Breast swelling or discharge 
• Mild itching or skin rash 

Serious Side Effects 

• Uncontrolled muscle movements in limbs or face (chewing, lip smacking, etc.) 
• Worsening schizophrenia symptoms 
• Mental disarray, paranoia, restlessness, or excitement 
• Seizures 
• A sensation of near-fainting or dizziness 
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes) 
• Limited or absent urination 
• Slow heart rate, feeble pulse, shallow breath 
• Low white blood cell counts: 
  • Fever 
  • Chills 
  • Mouth/skin sores 
  • Sore throat 
  • Cough 
  • Breathing difficulty 
  • Dizziness 
• Critical nervous system response: 
  • Extremely rigid muscles 
  • High fever 
  • Perspiration 
  • Rapid/irregular heartbeats. 

Contact your doctor right away if you experience any of the above-listed serious side effects. 

Prolonged or excessive perphenazine usage may result in an irreversible movement disorder. The risk of developing this condition is higher among women and older individuals, particularly with extended Trilafon use. 

Allergic Reactions 

Although rare, a severe allergic reaction to Trilafon may occur. Immediate medical attention is required upon noticing any signs of an allergic reaction, including: 

• Hives 
• Breathing difficulties 
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat 

Not all side effects of Trilafon are included in this list. Tell your doctor if any unlisted effects are experienced. 

Cautions 

Before initiating Trilafon treatment, notify your doctor of any known allergies, specifically towards perphenazine or other phenothiazines (e.g., chlorpromazine, fluphenazine). 

Seek further guidance from your pharmacist regarding Trilafon, as it might contain inactive elements that could potentially trigger allergic reactions or other complications. 

To ensure Trilafon is safe for you, disclose to your physician your medical background, especially if you have a history of: 

• Reduced bone marrow function 
• Significant head injury 
• Liver complications 
• Neurological issues (e.g., coma, drug/alcohol overdose, shock) 
• Parkinson’s disease 
• History of alcohol or substance abuse 
• Low blood pressure 
• Respiratory conditions (like asthma or emphysema) 
• Breast cancer 
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat 
• Heart valve disorders 
• A specific adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma) 
• Restless legs syndrome 
• Seizure disorder 
• Severe reactions to other medications (neuroleptic malignant syndrome) 
• Urinary difficulties (e.g., due to prostate problems) 

Notify all your healthcare providers of any current or recently started or stopped medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, to reduce the possibility of drug interaction with Trilafon. 

Some of the products that may interact with Trilafon include: 

• Specific Parkinson’s medications (e.g., bromocriptine, levodopa, pergolide) 
• Particular anticholinergic drugs (e.g., dicyclomine, scopolamine) 
• Medications influencing liver enzymes responsible for perphenazine elimination (e.g., amiodarone, duloxetine, fluoxetine, paroxetine, ritonavir) 

Review the labels of all your medications, including those for allergies, coughs, and colds, as they may contain ingredients inducing drowsiness. Consult your pharmacist regarding their safe usage. 

Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are using other products that induce drowsiness, such as: 

• Opioid pain or cough medications (e.g., codeine, hydrocodone)  
• Alcohol  
• Marijuana (cannabis)  
• Sleep or anxiety medications (e.g., alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem) 
• Muscle relaxants (e.g., carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine) 
• Antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, diphenhydramine) 

Trilafon can induce drowsiness and influence cognitive and motor functions. Refrain from driving or operating machinery until you understand its impact on you. 

Avoid extended sun exposure and ensure protective measures, including wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and protective clothing while taking Trilafon due to its potential to increase skin sensitivity to sunlight. 

Trilafon might impede the body’s natural cooling process in extreme heat conditions. Inform your doctor if you intend to engage in intense physical activity or face extreme temperatures. 

Trilafon can induce dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting, particularly when transitioning from a lying to standing position, especially when initiating treatment. To prevent this issue, rise gradually from a lying position, and pause with your feet on the floor for a few minutes before standing up. 

The use of Trilafon may result in QT prolongation, a cardiac rhythm disorder that can rarely trigger a life-threatening fast irregular heartbeat and accompanying symptoms like severe dizziness and fainting. Prompt medical intervention is imperative in these instances. 

Children may exhibit heightened sensitivity to Trilafon’s side effects, particularly uncontrolled movements. 

Elderly individuals may have increased sensitivity to Trilafon’s side effects, including dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, extrapyramidal symptoms, tardive dyskinesia, and QT prolongation. Drowsiness, dizziness, and lightheadedness can elevate the risk of falls. 

Trilafon may pose risks to newborns if used in the final months of pregnancy. Notify your doctor if you are pregnant, especially in the last trimester, or if pregnancy is planned. In case of pregnancy while taking this medication, contact your doctor right away. 

Perphenazine can enter breast milk and potentially affect a breastfeeding infant negatively. Prior to breastfeeding, consult your physician.