|
|
|
Perphenazine |
|
|
What is Perphenazine and why is it prescribed? Perphenazine is used to treat schizophrenia and to control severe nausea and vomiting in adults. It is a member of the phenothiazine family of antipsychotic medications, which includes such drugs as Mellaril, Stelazine, and Thorazine. Perphenazine can cause tardive dyskinesia, a condition marked by involuntary muscle spasms and twitches in the face and body, including chewing movements, puckering, puffing the cheeks, and sticking out the tongue. This condition may be permanent and appears to be most common among older adults, especially older women. Ask your doctor for more information about this possible risk. How should you take Perphenazine? Follow your doctors directions for taking Perphenazine. Perphenazine should be taken exactly according to physician instructions and for no longer than necessary. If you miss a dose and it is within an hour or so after the scheduled time, take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until later, skip the dose and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at once. Perphenazine should be stored at room temperature. Are there any Perphenazine side effects? Perphenazine side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Perphenazine side effects may include allergic reactions, asthma, bizarre dreams, blood disorders, blurred vision, body spasms, breast enlargement in males and females, breast milk production, cardiac arrest, changes in sex drive, confusion, constipation and intestinal problems, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, exaggerated reflexes, eye changes and disorders, faintness, false-positive pregnancy test results, fast or slow heartbeat, fever, fixed stare, headaches, high or low blood pressure, high or low blood sugar, high pressure in the eyes, hives, hyperactivity, inappropriate excitement, increased appetite and weight, inhibition of ejaculation, insomnia, irregular heartbeat, itching, large or small pupils, lethargy, light sensitivity, limb aches, liver problems, lockjaw, loss of appetite, loss of coordination, lupus-like symptoms, menstrual irregularities, muscle weakness, nasal congestion, nausea, numbness, pallor, paranoia, Parkinsonism, protruding or aching tongue, restlessness, salivation, seizures, skin rash or redness, slurred speech, stupor, sweating, swelling of the arms and legs, swelling of the ear, swelling of the face or throat, tardive dyskinesia, tics, throat tightness, twisting or spasms of the neck and mouth muscles, urinary problems, yellow skin or eyes, and vomiting. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Perphenazine? If Perphenazine is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Perphenazine with Antidepressants (such as Elavil, Nardil, and Prozac), Antihistamines (such as Benadryl and Tavist), Antipsychotic medications (such as Mellaril and Thorazine), Antiseizure drugs (such as Dilantin), Barbiturates (such as Nembutal and Seconal), Drugs that quell spasms (such as Donnatal and Levsin), Narcotic painkillers (such as Percodan and Vicodin), Phosphorus insecticides, or Tranquilizers and sleep aids (such as Halcion, Valium, and Xanax). Because Perphenazine prevents vomiting, it can hide the signs and symptoms of overdose of other drugs. If you are scheduled for an operation, be sure to tell the surgeon that you are taking Perphenazine, since it may change the amount of anesthesia you require. Are there any special warnings about Perphenazine? Drugs such as Perphenazine are capable of triggering a potentially fatal condition known as Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome. Symptoms include high fever, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, unstable blood pressure, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, and excessive sweating. If any of these symptoms develop, see your doctor immediately; Perphenazine therapy should be discontinued. Also report any significant increase in body temperature to the doctor. It could be an early warning that you cannot tolerate the drug. Alert your physician before taking Perphenazine if you are going through alcohol withdrawal, suffer from convulsions or seizures, or have a depressive disorder. You'll have to use the drug with caution. Caution is also warranted if you have kidney problems or trouble breathing. The doctor will periodically monitor your kidney and liver function and check your blood count for possible side effects. Be sure to let the doctor know if you've ever had breast cancer. Perphenazine stimulates production of a hormone that promotes the growth of certain types of tumors. Be aware that Perphenazine may impair the mental or physical abilities needed to drive a car or operate heavy machinery. Also, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun since Perphenazine may increase sensitivity to light. Stomach inflammation, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and tremors may result if Perphenazine is stopped suddenly. Therapy should be discontinued only under a doctor's supervision. Perphenazine is not recommended for children under the age of 12 years. |
|
|
Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
|
|
Copyright 2008 MyMedications.net. All rights reserved. |
|
