Trilafon

Trilafon is approved to treat schizophrenia and severe nausea and vomiting. Although it is not entirely clear how the medication works, it is known to block or lessen the effects of a chemical in the brain that can become elevated in people with schizophrenia. Trilafon comes in tablet form and is usually taken two to four times a day. Common side effects include drowsiness, unusual body movements, and blurred vision.

 

What Is Trilafon?

Trilafon® (perphenazine) is a prescription medicine known as a "typical antipsychotic" that has been licensed to treat schizophrenia. It is also approved to treat severe nausea and vomiting.
 

Who Makes Trilafon?

Trilafon was originally manufactured by Schering-Plough Corporation. Although brand-name Trilafon is no longer being made, generic Trilafon is still available and is made by several different companies.
 
(Click Trilafon Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

How Does Trilafon Work?

Trilafon belongs to a group of medications called typical (or first-generation) antipsychotic medications. In particular, it is part of a group of medications called phenothiazines. It is not entirely known how Trilafon works. However, it is known that the drug blocks or lessens the effects of dopamine, a chemical in the brain that may be elevated in people with schizophrenia.
 
Trilafon is not a cure for schizophrenia, however. It only helps to control symptoms (see Symptoms of Schizophrenia).
 
Since dopamine can activate the part of the brain that controls nausea and vomiting, Trilafon can treat severe nausea and vomiting by lessening the effects of dopamine in the brain.
 
(Trilafon Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;