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.
