WARNING

Perphenazine is an antipsychotic medication used to treat conditions like schizophrenia and severe nausea or vomiting. However, it comes with several potential risks and side effects:

• Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS): These include involuntary movements, tremors, muscle stiffness, and restlessness. Long-term use can lead to tardive dyskinesia, which involves repetitive, involuntary movements, particularly of the face and tongue.
• Sedation and Drowsiness: Perphenazine can cause significant drowsiness, which can impair the ability to perform tasks that require alertness, such as driving.
• Cardiovascular Effects: It can cause changes in heart rhythm, including prolonged QT interval, which can lead to potentially serious heart conditions.
• Metabolic Changes: It may contribute to weight gain, increased blood sugar levels, and lipid abnormalities, which can increase the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
• Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS): This is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition characterized by severe muscle rigidity, fever, altered mental status, and autonomic instability.
• Anticholinergic Effects: These include dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, and urinary retention.
• Hematologic Effects: In rare cases, it can cause blood disorders such as agranulocytosis, which involves a dangerously low white blood cell count.
• Hypersensitivity Reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions, which can range from mild skin rashes to more severe reactions such as anaphylaxis.

It’s important for individuals taking Perphenazine to be closely monitored by their healthcare provider to manage and mitigate these risks.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Perphenazine is typically prescribed to treat symptoms of certain mental/mood disorders such as schizophrenia and severe anxiety. It belongs to a class of medications called phenothiazines, which work by affecting the balance of certain natural chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain.

How should this medicine be used?

Perphenazine is typically taken orally in the form of tablets or liquid, with or without food, as directed by your doctor. The dosage and frequency of Perphenazine depend on several factors, including the condition being treated and your individual response to the medication.

It’s essential to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and not exceed the prescribed dosage. If you have difficulty swallowing tablets, your doctor may advise you to crush the tablets and mix them with food or liquid.

It’s important to take Perphenazine regularly to get the most benefit from it. Do not suddenly stop taking the medication without consulting your doctor, as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms or a relapse of your condition.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

If you have any questions or concerns about how to use Perphenazine, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your healthcare provider.

Other uses for this medicine

Perphenazine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor. Some off-label uses include managing nausea and vomiting, severe agitation, and certain types of severe pain.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special precautions should be taken when using Perphenazine. Here are some important points to keep in mind:

• Allergies: Inform your doctor if you have any allergies to Perphenazine or any other medications.
• Medical History: Provide your doctor with your complete medical history, especially if you have a history of certain conditions such as liver disease, kidney disease, heart problems, seizures, glaucoma, or blood disorders.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss the risks and benefits of using Perphenazine during pregnancy with your doctor. Perphenazine may pass into breast milk, so consult your doctor before breastfeeding while taking this medication.
• Interactions: Perphenazine may interact with other medications, supplements, or herbal products you are taking. It’s crucial to inform your doctor about all the medications you are currently using to avoid potential interactions.
• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Perphenazine, as it may increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and impaired judgment.
• Activities: Perphenazine may impair your ability to perform certain tasks requiring mental alertness, such as driving or operating machinery. Use caution when engaging in such activities until you know how Perphenazine affects you.
• Sun Exposure: Perphenazine may increase your sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and tanning beds, and use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors.
• Medical Monitoring: Your doctor may need to monitor your progress regularly while you are taking Perphenazine. Be sure to attend all scheduled appointments.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions and ask any questions you may have about using Perphenazine safely.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Regarding special dietary instructions, there are no specific dietary restrictions associated with Perphenazine. However, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is generally recommended for overall well-being and to support the effectiveness of medication.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget to take a dose of Perphenazine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up. If you have concerns or questions about missed doses, consult your healthcare provider for guidance.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Perphenazine, like many medications, can cause side effects. These can vary from person to person and may range from mild to severe. Common side effects of Perphenazine may include:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Weight gain
• Restlessness or agitation
• Difficulty urinating
• Changes in sexual function
• Skin sensitivity to sunlight

Less common but potentially more severe side effects of Perphenazine may include:

• Extrapyramidal symptoms (such as muscle stiffness, tremors, or uncontrollable movements)
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a rare but serious condition characterized by fever, muscle rigidity, and altered mental status)
• Tardive dyskinesia (involuntary movements of the face, tongue, or other body parts)
• Seizures
• Decreased blood pressure upon standing (orthostatic hypotension)
• Changes in heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
• Blood disorders (such as agranulocytosis or leukopenia)

It’s important to report any unusual or bothersome side effects to your healthcare provider promptly. They can help determine whether the side effects are manageable or require adjustments to your treatment plan. Additionally, if you experience severe side effects or signs of an allergic reaction (such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing), seek medical attention immediately.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

When it comes to storage and disposal of Perphenazine:

• Storage: Store Perphenazine at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep it tightly closed in its original container and out of reach of children and pets.
• Disposal: Dispose of expired or unused Perphenazine properly according to local regulations or guidelines. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Consult with your pharmacist or local waste disposal facility for proper disposal methods.

In case of emergency/overdose

• Seek Medical Help: If you suspect an overdose or experience severe symptoms such as fainting, severe drowsiness, difficulty breathing, or seizures, seek immediate medical attention or call your local poison control center at once.
• Overdose Symptoms: Symptoms of Perphenazine overdose may include extreme drowsiness, agitation, confusion, hallucinations, uncontrollable movements, seizures, and coma.

What other information should I know?

• Regular Monitoring: Your doctor may need to monitor your progress regularly while you are taking Perphenazine. Attend all scheduled appointments and inform your doctor of any changes in your condition or any new symptoms you may experience.
• Avoid Abrupt Discontinuation: Do not stop taking Perphenazine suddenly without consulting your doctor, as it may lead to withdrawal symptoms or a relapse of your condition. Your doctor may need to gradually reduce your dosage over time.
• Medication Interactions: Inform your doctor of all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, as Perphenazine may interact with other substances.
• Inform Healthcare Providers: Before undergoing any surgical procedures or receiving any medical treatments, inform healthcare providers that you are taking Perphenazine.
• Keep Updated: Keep your healthcare provider informed about any changes in your health status, including new symptoms, side effects, or concerns about your medication. Open communication is essential for managing your treatment effectively.

By following these guidelines and staying informed about Perphenazine, you can ensure safe and effective use of the medication.