Chemical Name:        Trifluoperazine hydrochloride Stelazine

Brand Name:              Stelazine

Manufacturer:            SmithKline Beecham

Description:   A piperazine phenothiazine that probably blocks post synaptic dopamine receptors in the brain.

Indications and Use:  For the manifestations of psychotic disorders.  Stelazine is effective for short-term treatment of generalized non-psychotic anxiety; however, it is not to be used first-line because of certain risks that alternative treatments do not have.

Contraindications, Warnings and Precautions:  Contraindicated in patients in comatose states, central nervous system depression, blood dyscrasias, bone marrow depression and pre-existing liver damage.  The potentially fatal symptom complex of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) has been reported in association with this class of drugs.  Signs of NMS include muscle rigidity, altered mental status, high fever, increased blood pressure, increased heart rate and cardiac dysrhythmia.  Tardive Dyskinisia (TD) is a potentially irreversible, involuntary movement that may develop.  The highest prevalence of TD is in the elderly, particularly women.  Thrombocytopenia, anemia, jaundice of the cholestatic type of hepatitis or liver damage have been reported.  The antiemetic effect of Stelazine may mask the signs and symptoms.

Adverse Reactions:  Possible common side effects may include extrapyramidal reactions, orthostatic hypotension, blurred vision, dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, and photosensitivity. Other side effects may include dizziness, drowsiness, headache, insomnia, ECG changes, tachycardia, nausea, ocular changes and weight gain.

Dosing Range:  Adjusted according to the needs of the person.  The usual starting dose for the psychotic adult is 2 to 5mg twice daily.

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© 2000 Red Oak Psychiatry Associates, P.A.    Updated 11/26/2007