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Compare Fluphenazine vs. Perphenazine

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Fluphenazine (generic, formerly known as Prolixin) and Perphenazine (generic, formerly known as Trilafon) are both typical antipsychotics, but they have some differences. Fluphenazine is used to treat psychotic disorders and is available in both short-acting and long-acting forms, which can be taken orally or via injection. Perphenazine, on the other hand, is used to treat schizophrenia and severe nausea and vomiting, and it is only available in oral form. Fluphenazine works by blocking dopamine activity in the brain, while the exact mechanism of Perphenazine is not completely clear but is also thought to affect dopamine. Fluphenazine can be taken multiple times a day or as a long-acting injection every 4 to 6 weeks, whereas Perphenazine needs to be taken multiple times throughout the day. Both medications can cause side effects like drowsiness and movement problems. Additionally, both medications are not recommended for older adults with dementia-related psychosis due to an increased risk of death.

  • Fluphenazine
    Perphenazine
  • Fluphenazine
    Perphenazine

  • Summary of Fluphenazine vs. Perphenazine

    Summary for Typical antipsychotic
    Prescription only

    Fluphenazine is a typical antipsychotic and is used to treat conditions that cause psychosis. It's available as short-acting fluphenazine hydrochloride (tablets, liquid, injection) that's typically taken by mouth or injected 3 to 4 times a day. It also comes as long-acting fluphenazine decanoate (injection) that's usually given every 4 to 6 weeks. Side effects of this medication include drowsiness and movement problems. Brand name Prolixin is no longer available.

    Summary for First generation (typical) antipsychotic
    Prescription only

    Perphenazine is a typical antipsychotic. It's used to treat schizophrenia, as well as severe nausea and vomiting in adults. Perphenazine comes as tablets that are taken by mouth, typically up to 3 to 4 times per day, depending on the condition. Side effects of this medication include sleepiness, insomnia, and changes in body weight (both weight gain and loss); drinking alcohol can worsen certain side effects. Brand name Trilafon has been discontinued; perphenazine is only available as a generic medication.

  • Indications of Fluphenazine vs. Perphenazine

    Indications for
    •Psychotic disorders
    Indications for
    •Schizophrenia
    •Severe nausea and vomiting

  • Pros and Cons of Fluphenazine vs. Perphenazine

    Pros and Const for Typical antipsychotic
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Comes as a tablet, liquid, or injection (both short- and long-acting)
    •Dose can be easily adjusted based on individual needs
    Cons
    •Long-term use can raise the risk of permanent movement problems
    •Not safe for use in older adults with dementia-related psychosis
    •Might not be a safe option if you've had a bad reaction to similar medications (e.g., chlorpromazine (Thorazine), thioridazine (Mellaril))
    Pros and Const for First generation (typical) antipsychotic
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Less likely to cause weight gain than some other antipsychotic medications
    •An option for severe nausea and vomiting
    Cons
    •Needs to be taken multiple times a day
    •Can cause sexual side effects
    •More likely to cause movement-related side effects than atypical antipsychotics

  • Common Side Effects of Fluphenazine vs. Perphenazine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dystonia (uncontrollable muscle contractions): neck spasms, difficulty swallowing and breathing, sticking your tongue out
    •Involuntary movements (especially of the face or mouth)
    •Changes in blood pressure
    •Weight changes
    •Fluid retention (holding onto fluid)
    •Nausea
    •Constipation
    •Loss of appetite
    •Dry mouth
    •Headache
    •Salivation, drooling
    •More sweating
    •Frequent urination
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness (28%)
    •Trouble sleeping (25%)
    •Sexual side effects (25%)
    •Dry mouth (22%)
    •Constipation (22%)
    •Trouble urinating (22%)
    •Abnormal body movements (17%)
    •Weight gain (12%)
    •Changes in menstrual bleeding (11%)
    •Dizziness when standing (11%)

  • Warnings of Fluphenazine vs. Perphenazine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher risk of death in older people with dementia-related psychosis
    •Difficulty controlling movements
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
    •Low white blood cell counts
    •High prolactin levels
    •Harm to unborn babies
    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher risk of death in older people with dementia-related psychosis
    •Difficulty controlling body movements
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
    •Higher risk of falls
    •Lower white blood cell counts
    •Harm to unborn babies

  • Prices with our coupons for Fluphenazine vs. Perphenazine

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