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Stelazine
Stelazine is a prescription medicine that is licensed for the treatment of schizophrenia and anxiety. It is believed to work by blocking or lessening the effects of dopamine in the brain, which can become elevated in people with these conditions. The medication comes in tablet form, and is taken one to three times a day. Side effects of Stelazine can include drowsiness, dizziness, and blurred vision.
Stelazine® (trifluoperazine hydrochloride) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed to treat the following conditions:
- Schizophrenia
- Anxiety (for short-term use only).
(Click Stelazine Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
Stelazine was originally manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. Although brand-name Stelazine is no longer manufactured, a generic version is still available. It is made by several different companies.
Stelazine belongs to a group of medications called phenothiazines. When used to treat schizophrenia, it is known as a typical (or first-generation) antipsychotic medication. It is not entirely known how Stelazine works. However, it is known that the drug blocks or lessens the effects of dopamine, a chemical in the brain. Dopamine may be elevated in people with schizophrenia or anxiety. This medication is not a cure for schizophrenia or anxiety, however. It only helps to control symptoms (see Symptoms of Schizophrenia or Anxiety Symptoms).
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD