Stelazine

 
Generic Name: trifluoperazine

Brands: Stelazine

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What is the most important information I should know about Stelazine?

· Call your doctor immediately if you have uncontrollable movements of the mouth, tongue, cheeks, jaw, arms, or legs.

· Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Stelazine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

· Dizziness may be more likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly to prevent dizziness and a possible fall.

· Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking Stelazine.

 

What is Stelazine?

· Stelazine is in a class of drugs called phenothiazines. It works by changing the actions of chemicals in the brain.

· Stelazine is used to treat psychotic disorders and anxiety.

· Stelazine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Stelazine?

· Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have     ·a bone marrow disease,     ·glaucoma,     ·seizures,     ·Parkinson's disease,     ·enlargement of the prostate or difficulty urinating,     ·liver disease, or     ·kidney disease.

· You may not be able to take Stelazine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· It is not known whether Stelazine will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Stelazine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

· It is not known whether Stelazine passes into breast milk. Do not take Stelazine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

· If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from Stelazine. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of this medication.

 

How should I take Stelazine?

· Take Stelazine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.

· Stelazine can be taken with or without food or milk.

· Mix the liquid with at least 2 ounces (60 mL) of water, tomato or fruit juice, milk, simple syrup, orange syrup, soda, coffee, tea, or a semisolid food such as pudding or soup just before taking it.

· Do not let the liquid touch the skin or clothing.

· Your healthcare provider will administer the injectable form of Stelazine.

· Do not stop taking Stelazine without first talking to your doctor. It may be several weeks before you begin to feel better, and you may require continuous treatment for quite some time. Talk to your doctor before you stop taking this medication.

· Stelazine liquid should have a clear to slightly yellowish color. Throw away any discolored liquid.

· Store Stelazine at room temperature. Store the liquid in a light-resistant container.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· If you take one dose of Stelazine a day, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then go back to your regular schedule the next day. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.

· If you are taking Stelazine on a regular schedule several times a day, take the missed dose within 1 hour of its regular time. If more than 1 hour has passed, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention.

· Symptoms of a Stelazine overdose include uncontrollable movements, agitation, seizures, severe dizziness or fainting, coma, very deep sleep, irregular heartbeats, and high or low body temperature.

 

What should I avoid while taking Stelazine?

· Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Stelazine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

· Dizziness may be more likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly to prevent dizziness and a possible fall.

· Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking Stelazine.

· Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Stelazine may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when sun exposure is unavoidable.

 

What are the possible side effects of Stelazine?

· If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Stelazine and seek emergency medical treatment:     ·an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);     ·uncontrollable movements of the tongue, face, lips, arms, or legs;     ·muscle spasms of the face or neck;     ·severe restlessness or tremor;     ·severe drowsiness or fainting; or     ·a rash.

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Stelazine and talk to your doctor if you experience     ·decreased sweating;     ·dry mouth or a stuffy nose;     ·constipation;     ·blurred vision;     ·mild restlessness, drowsiness, or tremor;     ·difficult urination, dark urine;     ·decreased sex drive;     ·dizziness;     ·increased appetite; or     ·menstrual irregularities or swollen breasts.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

 

What other drugs will affect Stelazine?

· Stelazine may interact with other drugs that cause drowsiness, including alcohol, antidepressants, antihistamines, pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if Stelazine is taken with alcohol or any of these medications. Talk to your doctor before taking Stelazine in combination with alcohol or any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

· Stelazine also interacts with medications other than the ones listed here. Before taking Stelazine, tell your doctor about all other prescription and over-the-counter medicines you are taking, including herbal products. During treatment, do not start taking any new drug without first talking to your doctor.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has additional information about Stelazine written for health professionals that you may read.