Perphenazine - Uses, Side Effects, and More

What are the most common side effects of perphenazine?

The most common side effects of perphenazine are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

• Blurred vision
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Inability to empty your bladder
• Restlessness
• Weight gain

There may be other side effects of perphenazine that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of perphenazine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of perphenazine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Perphenazine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking perphenazine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Parkinson-like Symptoms. Perphenazine may cause involuntary movement problems, including shakiness, stiffness, or jerkiness. It can also cause drooling, falling, or walking or balance problems. These are called Parkinson-like symptoms, or parkinsonism. Call your healthcare provider right away if you develop any Parkinson-like symptoms.

Uncontrolled Movements. Perphenazine can cause some people to have movements that they cannot control. This condition, called tardive dyskinesia (TD), can cause jerky movements of your face, tongue, or body. TD can be permanent. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms of TD.

• Tongue sticking out
• Lip smacking or puckering
• Grimacing
• Rapid eye blinking
• Jerking or twisting motion of the arms, legs, or trunk

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). Antipsychotic medicines, like perphenazine, can cause a rare but serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome. NMS can lead to death. Stop taking perphenazine and call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

• High fever
• Muscle stiffness or rigidity, where it is hard to move
• Changes in your breathing or heart rate
• Increased sweating
• Confusion

Body Temperature Regulation. Perphenazine can affect your ability to regulate your body temperature. This could make you become very hot, especially in hot weather or after exercising a lot. You should drink water and avoid overheating and dehydration. Call your healthcare provider right away if you are severely ill and have the following symptoms.

• Excessive or no sweating
• Dry mouth
• Feeling very hot
• Feeling thirsty
• Not able to pee

Blood Disorders. Perphenazine can cause blood disorders, such as agranulocytosis, low neutrophil levels (neutropenia), and low white blood cell levels (leukopenia). Keep all appointments to have your blood checked. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.

• Fever, chills, or sweats
• Sore throat, cough, or shortness of breath
• Frequent infection
• Unusual weakness or tiredness
• Sores in your mouth or throat
• Swollen lymph nodes

Seizures. Some people who have taken perphenazine have reported having seizures. There are many different types of seizures and some of them are not easy to recognize. Stop taking perphenazine and call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following signs that a seizure is happening or could happen.

• Muscle twitching, jerking, spasms, tremors, or other uncontrolled movements
• Stiffening of your arms and legs
• Feeling anxious, nervous, confused, or a sense of dread
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• Falling or losing consciousness

High Prolactin Level (Hyperprolactinemia). Perphenazine may cause an increased level of the hormone prolactin in your blood. Increased levels of prolactin could lead to fertility or bone problems. Contact your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms.

• Vaginal dryness
• Irregular or no periods
• Production of breastmilk when not pregnant or nursing
• Inability to get or keep an erection
• Enlarged breast size (gynecomastia)
• Decreased muscle and body hair

Low Blood Pressure Upon Standing (Orthostatic Hypotension) and Falls. Perphenazine may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up. To help prevent this, be careful not to get up too quickly.  If you feel faint or dizzy, sit or lie down right away until the dizziness stops, then take your time getting up again. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of orthostatic hypotension.

• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting upon standing
• Blurred vision
• Confusion
• Feeling weak

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking perphenazine. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomach or belly pain
• Fever
• Weakness or unusual tiredness
• Itching
• Loss of appetite
• Light-colored poop
• Dark-colored urine (pee)
• Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Eye Effects. Perphenazine may have effects on your eyes, such as deposits on the cornea and lens. This may be more likely if you take higher doses of perphenazine, or if you take perphenazine for a longer period of time. Your healthcare provider may recommend that you have your eyes examined regularly while taking perphenazine. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have eye discomfort or changes in your vision.