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Thursday, November 12, 2009
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Trilafon Oral

Precautions and Side Effects


Generic Name: PERPHENAZINE - ORAL
Pronounced: (per-FEN-a-zeen)

Trilafon Oral Warning

Table of Contents

There may be a slightly increased risk of serious, possibly fatal side effects (e.g., pneumonia, heart failure) when this medication is used in older adults with dementia. This medication is not approved for the treatment of dementia-related behavior problems. Discuss the risks and benefits of this medication, as well as other effective and possibly safer treatments for dementia-related behavior problems, with the doctor.

Trilafon Oral Side Effects

Drowsiness, constipation, dry mouth, dizziness, blurred vision, tiredness, or unexplained weight gain may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Some people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

This drug may cause muscle/nervous system problems (extrapyramidal symptoms-EPS). Your doctor may prescribe another medication to decrease these side effects. Therefore, tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following side effects:

  • increased anxiety
  • drooling/trouble swallowing
  • restlessness/constant need to move
  • shaking (tremor)
  • shuffling walk
  • stiff muscles


Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:

  • difficulty urinating


This medication may cause a condition known as tardive dyskinesia. In some cases, this condition may be permanent. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any involuntary/repetitive muscle movements such as lip smacking/puckering, tongue thrusting, chewing, or finger/toe movements.

In rare cases, perphenazine may increase your level of a certain chemical made by the body (prolactin). For females, this increase in prolactin may result in unwanted breast milk, missed/stopped periods, or difficulty becoming pregnant. For males, it may result in decreased sexual ability, inability to produce sperm, or enlarged breasts. If you develop any of these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately.

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