Trifluoperazine is commonly prescribed for the treatment of schizophrenia or anxiety. Although the medicine cannot cure these conditions, it can help control symptoms by lessening or blocking the effects of dopamine in the brain. Trifluoperazine tablets are available by prescription only and are generally taken one to three times a day. Potential side effects of the medication include blurred vision, drowsiness, and dizziness.
Trifluoperazine was originally manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. Although brand-name trifluoperazine is no longer manufactured, generic trifluoperazine is still available. It is made by several different companies.
How Does Trifluoperazine Work?
Trifluoperazine belongs to a group of medications called phenothiazines. When used to treat schizophrenia, it is known as a typical (or first-generation) antipsychotic medication. It is not entirely known how the drug works. However, it is known that trifluoperazine blocks or lessens the effects of dopamine, a chemical in the brain. Dopamine may be elevated in people with schizophrenia or anxiety. However, trifluoperazine is not a cure for schizophrenia or anxiety. It only helps to control symptoms (see Symptoms of Schizophrenia or Anxiety Symptoms).
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