Perphenazine

About perphenazine

Perphenazine is used to treat mental illness with symptoms such as hearing, seeing or sensing things that are not there, mistaken beliefs, anxiety (worry) and problems dealing with other people. It can also be used to treat conditions not associated with mental illness such as feeling or being sick.

Before taking perphenazine

Before taking perphenazine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you suffer from any heart problems.
• If you suffer from liver, kidney or breathing problems
• If you suffer from Parkinson's disease, epilepsy or depression
• If you suffer from myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease), porphyria (a blood disorder), phaeochromocytoma (a growth on the adrenal glands)
• If you suffer from glaucoma or prostate problems
• If you suffer from postural hypotension (if you become dizzy when getting up from a sitting or lying position)
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines

How to take perphenazine

• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Take perphenazine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Try to get into the habit of taking perphenazine at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
• You may have to take perphenazine for several weeks before you feel the full effect.
• Do not stop taking perphenazine without first speaking with your doctor. Your doctor will probably want to reduce the dose you are taking gradually, as stopping treatment suddenly can cause complications.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of perphenazine contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
• Perphenazine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe to take alongside perphenazine.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor. You will probably have to undergo tests during your treatment to ensure the dose you are taking is right for you.
• Perphenazine can cause drowsiness, dizziness and blurred vision. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert or able to see properly.
• Do not drink alcohol, while you are being treated with perphenazine, as it will increase drowsiness. If you do drink alcohol, drink only in moderation and be aware of its effects on you.
• Before having any surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon that you are taking perphenazine.
• Perphenazine can cause some people's skin to become more sensitive to sunlight than it usually is. Avoid strong sunlight and sunbeds and use a suncream higher than factor 15 until you know how your skin reacts.

Can perphenazine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Other side effects include shakiness, abnormal face and body movements, restlessness, uncontrollable movements of the tongue face and jaw, mood changes, insomnia (trouble sleeping), confusion, tummy ache, a stuffy nose, problems urinating (passing water), a fast or thumping heartbeat, changes in menstruation (periods), breast problems, sexual problems, weight gain, skin rashes, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) or purple tint to the skin and eyes.

IMPORTANT: If you experience 'flu like' symptoms such as stiffness, high temperature, abnormal paleness, leaking bladder and a racing heartbeat contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital immediately.

How to store perphenazine

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines