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Compare Perphenazine vs. Trifluoperazine

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

Key takeaways

Perphenazine and trifluoperazine are both first-generation (typical) antipsychotics used to treat schizophrenia. However, they have some key differences. Perphenazine is also approved for treating severe nausea and vomiting, while trifluoperazine can be used for anxiety. While trifluoperazine can be used in children aged 6 and older, perphenazine can only be used in adults. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics, but perphenazine needs to be taken multiple times a day, whereas trifluoperazine is typically taken twice daily. They can both cause movement problems like tardive dyskinesia, but trifluoperazine has a higher risk of this condition, especially with long-term use. For this reason, trifluoperazine shouldn’t be taken for longer than 12 weeks if being used to treat anxiety.

  • Perphenazine
    Trifluoperazine
  • Perphenazine
    Trifluoperazine

  • Summary of Perphenazine vs. Trifluoperazine

    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.

    Summary for First generation (typical) antipsychotic
    Prescription only

    Trifluoperazine is mainly used to manage schizophrenia. It's available as a lower-cost generic medication but it isn't meant for long-term use because it can cause you to have trouble controlling your movements.

  • Indications of Perphenazine vs. Trifluoperazine

    Indications for
    •Schizophrenia
    •Severe nausea and vomiting
    Indications for
    •Schizophrenia
    •Anxiety

  • Pros and Cons of Perphenazine vs. Trifluoperazine

    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
    Pros and Const for First generation (typical) antipsychotic
    Pros
    •Can be used for schizophrenia or anxiety
    •Can be used in children age 6 and older
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Available in 4 different strengths
    Cons
    •High doses and long-term use can make you lose control of your movements.
    •Can cause agitation, jitteriness, and trouble sleeping
    •Not safe for use in severe liver disease
    •Usually taken twice a day

  • Common Side Effects of Perphenazine vs. Trifluoperazine

    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%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Drowsiness
    •Dizziness
    •Skin reactions
    •Rash
    •Dry mouth
    •Trouble falling asleep
    •Missing one or more menstrual periods
    •Lack of energy

  • Warnings of Perphenazine vs. Trifluoperazine

    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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Death in people age 65 and older with dementia
    •Difficulty controlling movements
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
    •Changes in blood cell counts
    •Liver damage
    •Low blood pressure and falls
    •Vision changes
    •High prolactin levels

  • Prices with our coupons for Perphenazine vs. Trifluoperazine

    Learn more about Perphenazine
    Learn more about Trifluoperazine

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