Key takeaways
Perphenazine and thiothixene are both first-generation antipsychotics used to treat schizophrenia. Perphenazine is also approved for treating severe nausea and vomiting, while thiothixene is not. Both are available as low-cost generics and need to be taken multiple times a day. Perphenazine can cause many side effects, including weight gain and drowsiness. Thiothixene, on the other hand, is less likely to cause dry mouth, constipation, and blurred vision but is more likely to cause uncontrolled muscle movements. However, both medications can cause serious side effects like neuroleptic malignant syndrome and tardive dyskinesia. They should also be used with caution in older adults with dementia-related psychosis due to a higher risk of death.
