WARNING

Perphenazine is an antipsychotic medication primarily used to treat schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. Like any medication, it comes with potential risks and side effects. It’s important to note that individual responses to medications can vary, and the information provided here is a general overview. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

• Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS): Perphenazine may cause EPS, which includes symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and uncontrollable movements. Tardive dyskinesia, a potentially irreversible condition characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements, is also a concern.
• Sedation and Drowsiness: Perphenazine can cause drowsiness, sedation, and impaired concentration. It may affect a person’s ability to operate machinery or drive a vehicle.
• Orthostatic Hypotension: Perphenazine can lead to a drop in blood pressure upon standing, causing dizziness or fainting. It’s important to rise slowly from a sitting or lying position.
• Anticholinergic Effects: Perphenazine has anticholinergic properties, which can lead to dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, and urinary retention.
• Weight Gain and Metabolic Changes: Some individuals may experience weight gain while taking perphenazine. Additionally, antipsychotic medications, in general, are associated with metabolic changes such as increased blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
• Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS): Though rare, perphenazine use has been linked to NMS, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by fever, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, and autonomic dysfunction.
• Blood Disorders: Perphenazine may cause changes in blood cell counts, leading to conditions like agranulocytosis (a severe reduction in white blood cells) or leukopenia.
• Hyperprolactinemia: Like many antipsychotics, perphenazine may increase levels of the hormone prolactin, potentially causing side effects such as breast enlargement, galactorrhea (production of breast milk), and menstrual irregularities.

It’s crucial to communicate openly with your healthcare provider about any side effects or concerns you may have while taking perphenazine. They can help monitor your response to the medication and adjust the treatment plan if needed. Never discontinue or change the dosage of a prescribed medication without consulting your healthcare professional.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Perphenazine is prescribed primarily for the treatment of psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia. It belongs to the class of medications known as typical or first-generation antipsychotics. Perphenazine works by affecting the balance of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly dopamine, which is believed to play a role in the development of psychotic symptoms.

Conditions for which Perphenazine may be prescribed:

• Schizophrenia: Perphenazine is commonly used to manage the symptoms of schizophrenia, including hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and emotional disturbances.
• Other Psychotic Disorders: It may also be prescribed for other psychotic disorders, such as schizoaffective disorder and delusional disorder.

How should this medicine be used?

Here are general guidelines for using perphenazine, but it’s crucial to follow your healthcare provider’s specific instructions:

• Dosage: The dosage of perphenazine can vary based on the specific condition being treated, the individual’s response to the medication, and other factors. It is important to follow the healthcare provider’s prescription and recommendations.
• Administration: Perphenazine is typically taken orally in the form of tablets or liquid. It is usually taken one to three times a day, with or without food. The exact dosage and frequency will be determined by the healthcare provider based on the individual’s needs.
• Compliance: It is important to take perphenazine consistently and as prescribed. Abruptly stopping the medication or changing the dosage without consulting a healthcare professional can lead to withdrawal symptoms or a relapse of psychotic symptoms.
• Monitoring: Regular monitoring by a healthcare provider is essential during the course of perphenazine treatment. This includes assessing the individual’s response to the medication, checking for any side effects, and adjusting the dosage if necessary.
• Special Considerations: Elderly individuals and those with certain medical conditions may require adjustments in dosage or special monitoring while taking perphenazine.

It’s crucial for individuals prescribed perphenazine to communicate openly with their healthcare provider about any concerns, side effects, or changes in symptoms. It may take some time for the full therapeutic effects to be observed, and adjustments to the treatment plan may be made based on ongoing evaluation. Additionally, individuals should not stop taking perphenazine or change the dosage without consulting their healthcare provider, as abrupt changes can have adverse effects.

Other uses for this medicine

Some other potential uses for perphenazine include:

• Bipolar Disorder: Perphenazine may be used in the treatment of bipolar disorder, particularly during acute manic phases. However, other medications are often preferred for this purpose.
• Severe Anxiety: In some cases, perphenazine might be prescribed to manage severe anxiety, especially when other treatments have not been effective.
• Agitation and Aggressive Behavior: Perphenazine may be used in certain situations to address agitation and aggressive behavior, often in a hospital or institutional setting.

What special precautions should I follow?

Here are some special precautions to keep in mind:

• Medical History: Before starting perphenazine, inform your healthcare provider about your complete medical history, including any allergies, past medical conditions, or medications you are currently taking.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the potential risks and benefits of perphenazine with your healthcare provider. The medication may pass into breast milk.
• Elderly Population: Caution is advised when prescribing perphenazine to elderly individuals, as they may be more sensitive to certain side effects, such as sedation and orthostatic hypotension.
• Liver and Kidney Function: Individuals with impaired liver or kidney function may require dose adjustments or closer monitoring while taking perphenazine.
• Seizure Disorders: Perphenazine may lower the seizure threshold, so individuals with a history of seizures should use this medication with caution and under close supervision.
• Cardiovascular Conditions: Perphenazine may cause orthostatic hypotension (a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing), so individuals with cardiovascular conditions should be monitored carefully.
• Blood Disorders: Regular monitoring of blood cell counts is important, as perphenazine may affect white blood cell counts.
• Alcohol and Substance Use: Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs while taking perphenazine, as they may enhance sedation and other side effects.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and attend regular check-ups to monitor your response to the medication and manage any potential side effects. Do not make any changes to your medication regimen without consulting your healthcare professional.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Perphenazine does not typically require specific dietary restrictions. However, individuals taking this medication should be mindful of potential side effects that may impact eating habits, such as weight gain. A balanced and healthy diet is generally recommended.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

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

What side effects can this medication cause?

Perphenazine, like other antipsychotic medications, can cause a range of side effects. It’s important to note that not everyone will experience these side effects, and their severity can vary from person to person. Additionally, the benefits of the medication in treating psychotic disorders should be weighed against the potential risks of side effects. Common side effects of perphenazine include:

• Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS): These can include tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), and tardive dyskinesia (involuntary, repetitive movements of the face and body).
• Sedation and Drowsiness: Perphenazine may cause drowsiness and sedation, affecting alertness and concentration.
• Orthostatic Hypotension: A sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing, leading to dizziness or fainting.
• Anticholinergic Effects: Dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and urinary retention can occur due to the anticholinergic properties of perphenazine.
• Weight Gain: Some individuals may experience weight gain while taking perphenazine.
• Hyperprolactinemia: Elevated levels of the hormone prolactin may lead to symptoms such as breast enlargement, galactorrhea (production of breast milk), and menstrual irregularities.
• Metabolic Changes: Antipsychotic medications, including perphenazine, are associated with metabolic changes, such as increased blood sugar levels and lipid abnormalities.
• Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS): Though rare, NMS is a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by fever, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, and autonomic dysfunction.
• Blood Disorders: Changes in blood cell counts, including agranulocytosis (severe reduction in white blood cells) and leukopenia, may occur.
• Seizures: Perphenazine may lower the seizure threshold, potentially increasing the risk of seizures in susceptible individuals.

It’s crucial to report any unusual or severe side effects to your healthcare provider promptly. Additionally, discuss your medical history, including any pre-existing conditions or medications you are taking, to help your healthcare provider make informed decisions about your treatment.

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects, and individual responses to perphenazine can vary. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance based on your specific situation.

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

Storage and Disposal of Perphenazine:

• Storage: Keep perphenazine in its original packaging and store it at room temperature, away from excessive heat and moisture. Follow any specific storage instructions provided by your pharmacist or healthcare provider.
• Keep Out of Reach of Children and Pets: Store medications in a secure location, out of the reach of children and pets, to prevent accidental ingestion.
• Disposal: Dispose of unused or expired perphenazine according to local regulations. Do not flush medications down the toilet or throw them into the trash. Check with your pharmacist or local waste disposal facility for guidance on proper disposal.

In case of emergency/overdose

If you suspect an overdose or experience severe symptoms, seek emergency medical attention or contact your local poison control center immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include:

• Severe drowsiness or unconsciousness
• Uncontrollable movements
• Agitation
• Seizures
• Difficulty breathing
• Irregular heartbeat

What other information should I know?

• Regular Monitoring: Your healthcare provider will likely monitor your response to perphenazine regularly. Keep all scheduled appointments to ensure that your treatment plan is appropriate and effective.
• Avoid Alcohol and Sedatives: Limit or avoid alcohol consumption while taking perphenazine, as it may enhance the sedative effects of the medication. Inform your healthcare provider about any other medications or substances you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements.
• Inform Other Healthcare Providers: Make sure to inform other healthcare providers, including dentists and surgeons, that you are taking perphenazine. The medication may interact with certain procedures or other medications.
• Dizziness and Drowsiness: Be cautious when engaging in activities that require mental alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, as perphenazine may cause dizziness and drowsiness.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the risks and benefits of perphenazine with your healthcare provider. The decision to continue or discontinue the medication should be made in consultation with your healthcare team.
• Follow Instructions: Take perphenazine exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without consulting your healthcare professional.

Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about the use, storage, or disposal of perphenazine. They can provide guidance based on your specific situation.