Where is Trifluoperazine Hydrochloride used?

Trifluoperazine Hydrochloride is used for the treatment of certain mental/mood disorders or psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. This medicine has several benefits. Some of them are the following:

• Helps you feel less nervous, think more clearly, and be more active in everyday life
• Lessens the aggressive behavior and the desire to hurt yourself or others

This medication can also be used for the treatment of nausea and vomiting when other medicines are ineffective. Trifluoperazine Hydrochloride is in the class of medications called phenothiazine antipsychotics. This helps to restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain.

How does Trifluoperazine Hydrochloride work?

Trifluoperazine Hydrochloride works by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain. Dopamine is a natural compound called a neurotransmitter that is involved in transmitting messages between brain cells. Dopamine is also known to be involved in regulating behavior and mood.

In schizophrenia, this psychotic illness is caused by the overactivity of dopamine in the brain. Trifluoperazine Hydrochloride blocks the receptors where dopamine acts on. This medicine prevents the overactivity of dopamine in the brain and helps control psychotic illness. As a result, Trifluoperazine Hydrochloride improves disturbing thoughts and feelings. It also produces a calming effect and controls delusions, aggression, and hallucinations.

In nausea and vomiting, this medication affects dopamine receptors in an area of the brain. Vomiting is controlled by an area of the brain called the vomiting center. The vomiting center is responsible for causing feelings of sickness and for the vomiting reflex. It is activated when it receives nerve messages from another area of the brain. It is called the chemoreceptor trigger zone. Trifluoperazine Hydrochloride controls nausea and vomiting by blocking dopamine receptors found in the chemoreceptor trigger zone. This stops the chemoreceptor trigger zone from sending the messages to the vomiting center that would otherwise cause nausea and vomiting. 

How is Trifluoperazine Hydrochloride taken?

Trifluoperazine Hydrochloride is to be taken by mouth. This is usually taken once or twice a day or as directed by your doctor. You may take each dose with or without a meal. The recommended dosage is based on your medical condition, age, and response to the treatment. Your doctor may direct you to start at a lower dose and eventually increase it.

You should take the right dose, not more or less. For the best benefit from this product, take this medication at evenly spaced times. If you are taking this medication daily, take it at the same time and in the same way each day. Let your doctor know if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse. 

What are the precautions in taking Trifluoperazine Hydrochloride?

• Trifluoperazine Hydrochloride should use carefully in elderly people, those with decreased kidney or liver function, and those with severe disease that affects the airways or lungs. 
• This medicine may cause drowsiness and if affected do not drive or operate machinery. While taking this medicine, you should avoid drinking alcohol because it can make drowsiness worse.
• This may rarely cause a decrease in the normal amounts of blood cells in the blood. 
• This medication is not recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women. If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, call your doctor right away.