Trifluoperazine+Trihexyphenidyl / Benzhexol Hydrochloride

• As per CDSCO, Trifluoperazine+Trihexyphenidyl / Benzhexol Hydrochloride is used for,
• Managing symptoms of schizophrenia as an antipsychotic medicine(reduces strong and inappropriate symptoms, disturbed/unusual thinking, etc.).
• Treatment of symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease (reduces involuntary movements)
• Treatment of neurosis(a mild mental disorder) as psychoneurotic medicine.

When should one not use Trifluoperazine+Trihexyphenidyl / Benzhexol Hydrochloride

• If you are allergic to any of the ingredients of Trifluoperazine+Trihexyphenidyl / Benzhexol Hydrochloride.
• If you are pregnant. This medicine can have serious side effects on the unborn baby, especially in the third trimester.
• If you have severe central nervous system depression (reduces central nervous system functionality of breathing).
• If you have narrow-angle glaucoma(increased pressure in the eye), this medicine worsens the condition.
• If you are suffering from conditions such as tardive dyskinesia ( involuntary movements of the face).

Common side effects of this drug are:

• Nausea
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Weight gain
• Dryness in mouth
• Blurred vision
• Urinary retention
• Orthostatic hypotension (sudden fall of blood pressure on standing)
• Sedation

Other General Warnings

• You have hypertension or high blood pressure, this medicine should be used with caution as it can affect blood pressure.
• You have seizure syndrome, this medicine should be used with extreme caution, as it can increase the risk of seizures.
• You are an elderly patient, dose adjustment is needed to prevent excessive side effects. Due to slow metabolism, this medicine is eliminated slowly from the body in them.
• You have stayed in sunlight for a long duration, this medicine can cause heatstroke.
• You are using any herbal or ayurvedic medicines and supplements, inform your doctor to avoid interactions.
• Do not stop using Trifluoperazine+Trihexyphenidyl / Benzhexol Hydrochloride suddenly, as it can cause neuroleptic malignant syndrome (Fever, altered mental status, muscle stiffness, etc.).
• You are breastfeeding, consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
• You are a patient suffering from dementia (memory loss), this medicine can increase the side effects and cause death. Dose adjustment is required.
• You are a child below 18 years of age, do not use this medicine without consulting the doctor.
• You have a urinary problem, this medicine can worsen the condition.
• You have infectious diarrhoea, this medicine makes the elimination of bacteria difficult.

How Does It Work?

Interactions with other medicines

• Tell your doctor if you are already using blood pressure medication, as this medicine may affect your blood pressure.
• Use of this medicine, with opioid or narcotic pain relievers, can increase the side effects like drowsiness.
• If you are using medicines that lower lung secretions or saliva, Trifluoperazine+Trihexyphenidyl / Benzhexol Hydrochloride will negate the effects of those medicines.
• Do not use other antipsychotics, anticonvulsant medicines, and antiparkinsonian medicines with Trifluoperazine+Trihexyphenidyl / Benzhexol Hydrochloride. It can cause adverse reactions.
• Other medicines Trifluoperazine+Trihexyphenidyl / Benzhexol Hydrochloride can interact with are antihistamine(allergy medicine), blood thinners, heart medicines and fever-reducing medicines.

Interactions with food items

• Trifluoperazine+Trihexyphenidyl / Benzhexol Hydrochloride does not have any known food interactions. Try to take this medicine before or after consuming food. If you are experiencing any stomach upset, take it after the food.

Overdose

• Trifluoperazine+Trihexyphenidyl / Benzhexol Hydrochloride overdose can cause symptoms like severe drowsiness, dry mouth, abdominal pain, dizziness, fainting, vomiting, seizures, hallucination, sweating, cardiac arrest, agitation, involuntary movement of the muscles, liver failure (yellow skin and eyes), loss of consciousness, etc. In case of Trifluoperazine+Trihexyphenidyl / Benzhexol Hydrochloride overdose, seek immediate medical treatment from the nearest medical centre.

Missed a Dose