Trifluoperazine+trihexyphenidyl
About
Trifluoperazine+trihexyphenidyl belongs to a class of drugs called 'antipsychotics' used to prevent and treat schizophrenia (a mental illness). Additionally, Trifluoperazine+trihexyphenidyl may be used to anxiety and depression over a short period. Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that affects a person's ability to feel, think and behave clearly. Anxiety is a mental health disorder associated with fear, worry, and excessive nervousness that may interfere with daily activities. Depression is a mood disorder associated with symptoms such as sadness, unable to sleep properly or enjoy life as you used to do.
Trifluoperazine+trihexyphenidyl combination composed of two different medicines, namely, Trifluoperazine and Trihexyphenidyl. Trifluoperazine inhibits the dopamine (chemical messenger) receptors in the brain. Dopamine is involved in regulating mood, behaviour, and emotions. Thereby, Trifluoperazine+trihexyphenidyl helps in controlling psychotic illness, relieving depression, lightening the mood, and relieving anxiety symptoms such as fear and panic. On the other hand, Trihexyphenidyl is an anticholinergic agent that acts on the nervous system and corrects some of the chemical imbalances that cause some side effects such as shaking of hands and muscle spasms due to Trifluoperazine.
Take Trifluoperazine+trihexyphenidyl as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take Trifluoperazine+trihexyphenidyl for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you based on your medical condition. Some people may experience nausea, constipation, dryness in the mouth, sedation, weight gain, orthostatic hypotension (sudden lowering of blood pressure on standing), urinary retention, increased prolactin level in the blood, dizziness, blurred vision, and nervousness. Most of these side effects of Trifluoperazine+trihexyphenidyl do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to Trifluoperazine+trihexyphenidyl or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Avoid taking Trifluoperazine+trihexyphenidyl if you are pregnant, especially in the third trimester, as it may cause adverse effects in the baby such as breathing problems, muscle stiffness or weakness, shaking, etc. Please consult a doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Trifluoperazine+trihexyphenidyl should be used with caution in elderly patients above 65 years, as there is an increased risk of adverse reactions. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Trifluoperazine+trihexyphenidyl as it could lead to increased drowsiness and dizziness. Consult your doctor before giving this medicine to your child. Keep your doctor informed about your medicines and health condition and rule out any side effects.
Uses of Trifluoperazine+trihexyphenidyl
Medicinal Benefits
Trifluoperazine+trihexyphenidyl combination composed of two different medicines, namely; Trifluoperazine and Trihexyphenidyl used to prevent and treat relapses of schizophrenia (a mental illness). Additionally, Trifluoperazine+trihexyphenidyl may be used to anxiety and depression over a short period. Trifluoperazine inhibits the dopamine (chemical messenger) receptors in the brain. Dopamine is involved in regulating mood, behavior, and emotions. Thereby, Trifluoperazine+trihexyphenidyl helps in controlling psychotic illness, relieving depression, lighten the mood, and relieve anxiety symptoms such as fear and panic. However, it may cause side effects such as involuntary movements (shaking of hands, muscle spasms, etc.). On the other hand, Trihexyphenidyl is used to treat and prevent side effects such as involuntary movements (shaking of hands, muscle spasms) caused by Trifluoperazine. Trihexyphenidyl exerts a direct inhibitory effect upon the parasympathetic nervous system. It works by relaxing the muscles and nerve impulses that control muscle functioning. Trifluoperazine+trihexyphenidyl improves muscle control and reduces stiffness, thereby helps the muscles move naturally.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Trifluoperazine+trihexyphenidyl
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Sedation
- Weight gain
- Orthostatic hypotension (sudden lowering of blood pressure on standing)
- Urinary retention
- Increased prolactin level in the blood
- Dizziness
- Abdominal Pain
- Excessive sweating
- Decreased blood pressure
- Urine retention
- Blurred vision
- Nervousness
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to Trifluoperazine+trihexyphenidyl or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Avoid taking Trifluoperazine+trihexyphenidyl if you are pregnant, especially in the third trimester, as it may cause adverse effects in the baby such as breathing problems, muscle stiffness or weakness, shaking, etc. Please consult a doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Trifluoperazine+trihexyphenidyl should be used with caution in elderly patients above 65 years, as there is an increased risk of adverse reactions. Do not discontinue Trifluoperazine+trihexyphenidyl on your own. Inform your doctor before taking Trifluoperazine+trihexyphenidyl if you have glaucoma, prostate problems, urination problems, stomach ulcers, acidity, myasthenia gravis (muscle problems), tardive dyskinesia (involuntary facial movements), alcoholism, high blood pressure, heart, liver, or kidney problems. Talk to your doctor immediately if you experience hallucinations. Trifluoperazine+trihexyphenidyl may make you sweat less, making you more likely to get heatstroke. Avoid doing things that may cause you to overheat, such as hard work or exercise in hot weather or using hot tubs. When the weather is hot, drink a lot of fluids and dress lightly. Trifluoperazine+trihexyphenidyl may cause drowsiness and dizziness, do not drive unless you are alert. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Trifluoperazine+trihexyphenidyl as it could lead to increased drowsiness and dizziness.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Trifluoperazine+trihexyphenidyl may have interaction with high blood pressure-lowering medicines (guanethidine), opioid pain killers (codeine), medicines used to decrease saliva and lung secretions (atropine, procyclidine), antipsychotics (promazine, prochlorperazine, chlorpromazine, aripiprazole, lurasidone, olanzapine, risperidone, quetiapine, trifluoperazine, escitalopram, duloxetine), anticonvulsants (lamotrigine, clonazepam, alprazolam, pregabalin), antiparkinson drug (levodopa), blood thinner (warfarin), a medicine used to treat iron poisoning (desferrioxamine), heart-related medicines (disopyramide, procainamide, quinidine, amiodarone, sotalol), antihistamine (diphenhydramine), anti-cholinergic (benztropine), and mild pain killers/fever-reducing agent (acetaminophen).
Drug-Food Interaction: Trifluoperazine+trihexyphenidyl may interact with alcohol. Therefore, avoid alcohol intake while taking Trifluoperazine+trihexyphenidyl as it may cause adverse effects such as severe dizziness or fainting, irregular heartbeats, drowsiness, uncontrollable movements, fits, drowsiness, high or low body temperature.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Avoid taking Trifluoperazine+trihexyphenidyl if you have blood disorders, liver problems, or the heart's inability to maintain adequate circulation. If you have Parkinson’s disease, fits, narrow-angle glaucoma, myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness), enlarged prostate gland, dementia (decline in memory, intelligence, or communication), uncontrolled high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, have a family history of stroke or blood clots, liver, heart or brain problems, inform your doctor before taking Trifluoperazine+trihexyphenidyl.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol with Trifluoperazine+trihexyphenidyl as it may increase the risk of drowsiness and other adverse effects.
Pregnancy
unsafeTrifluoperazine+trihexyphenidyl is not recommended for use during pregnancy, especially in the third trimesters as it may cause adverse effects in the baby. Please consult a doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
cautionTrifluoperazine+trihexyphenidyl may be unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Please consult a doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
unsafeTrifluoperazine+trihexyphenidyl may cause dizziness, double vision or drowsiness in some people. Therefore, avoid driving if you feel drowsy, dizzy or experience any vision problems after taking Trifluoperazine+trihexyphenidyl.
Liver
unsafeTrifluoperazine+trihexyphenidyl is not recommended for patients suffering from Liver diseases/conditions. Please consult a doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionTake Trifluoperazine+trihexyphenidyl with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Children
unsafePlease consult your paediatrician. Your child's doctor may weigh the benefits and risks before prescribing this medicine to your child.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
- Include a diet rich in iron, folate, and magnesium.
- Regularly attend therapy sessions.
- Perform meditation and yoga.
- Follow a regular sleep pattern.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Learn about your condition, understand the risk factors and follow the doctor’s treatment plan.
Special Advise
- If you are going to have a special X-ray examination of the spinal cord or brain involving metrizamide (chemical), inform your doctor that you are taking Trifluoperazine+trihexyphenidyl.
- Blood tests are recommended while taking Trifluoperazine+trihexyphenidyl to monitor blood counts and liver functioning.
- This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Schizophrenia: It is a mental disorder that affects a person's ability to feel, think and behave clearly. The symptoms include hallucinations, thought or movement disorders, delusions (misbelief), lack of emotion, sleep problems, isolation from family and friends and difficulty in doing daily activities.
Anxiety: It is a mental health disorder associated with fear, worry and excessive nervousness that may interfere with daily activities. The anxiety symptoms include feeling more stress than required for that event and lack of ability to set aside restlessness and worry. Anxiety can be treated by psychotherapy (meeting a psychologist) or medications.
Depression: It is a mood disorder associated with symptoms such as sadness, unable to sleep properly or enjoy life as you used to do.
FAQs
Trifluoperazine+trihexyphenidyl contains Trifluoperazine and Trihexyphenidyl. Trifluoperazine is a typical antipsychotic which works by blocking the action of a chemical messenger (dopamine) in the brain that affects thoughts and mood. However, it may cause side effects such as involuntary movements (shaking of hands, muscle spasms). Trihexyphenidyl is used to treat and prevent side effects such as involuntary movements (shaking of hands, muscle spasms) caused by Trifluoperazine.
Dry mouth could be a side-effect of Trifluoperazine+trihexyphenidyl. Limiting caffeine intake, avoiding smoking and mouthwashes containing alcohol, drinking water regularly, and chewing sugar-free gum/candy might help in stimulating saliva and thereby prevents drying of the mouth.
Antidepressants should be avoided while taking Trifluoperazine+trihexyphenidyl as it might increase sedative effects. Consult your doctor before taking Trifluoperazine+trihexyphenidyl if you are using depressants.
Trifluoperazine+trihexyphenidyl can cause decreased sweating which results in rising in body temperature (hyperthermia). This serious side effect is greater in hot weather so it is advisable to drink plenty of water fluids, especially in summer. However, kidney patients should consult a doctor before drinking any fluid.
Hallucination is a medical condition in which the person may feel, hear or believe things that are not true, see things that are not there, feel unusually suspicious or confused. Trihexyphenidyl in Trifluoperazine+trihexyphenidyl may cause hallucination in some cases if taken for a prolonged time. So, if you experience hallucinations while taking Trifluoperazine+trihexyphenidyl, please talk to your doctor immediately.
Trifluoperazine+trihexyphenidyl should be avoided by dementia (decline in memory, behaviour, thinking and ability to do daily activities) patients as it may increase the risk of severe adverse effects. Therefore, inform your doctor if you are suffering from dementia before taking Trifluoperazine+trihexyphenidyl.
