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PERPHENAZINE
Combination drug: Triavil®, Etrafon®
Perphenazine is used to treat symptoms associated with psychiatric disorders, as well as severe nausea and vomiting in adults. It is in a class of drugs known as phenothiazine neuroleptics.
Safetychecker Summary
for Perphenazine
(for details about the summarized interactions, read the full article)
 May be Beneficial: Side effect
reduction/prevention—Taking these supplements may help reduce the likelihood and/or
severity of a potential side effect caused by the medication. |
Coenzyme Q10* |
Avoid: Adverse interaction—Avoid these supplements when taking this
medication because taking them together may cause undesirable or dangerous results. |
Lithium* |
Check: Other—Before taking any of these supplements or eating any of
these foods with your medication, read this article in full for details. |
Vitamin C* |
| Depletion or interference |
None known |
| Supportive interaction |
None known |
| Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability |
None known |
Interactions with Dietary Supplements
Lithium
Lithium is a mineral that may be present in some supplements and is also used in large amounts
to treat mood disorders such as bipolar
disorder (manic depression). Taking lithium medication at the same time as phenothiazine
drugs might increase the risk of nerve damage resulting in delirium and seizures.1
2 Controlled research is needed to determine whether combining perphenazine and
with the comparatively small amounts of lithium found in non-prescription supplements might
cause similar side effects. Until more information is available, people taking perphenazine
should exercise caution when supplementing with products that contain lithium.
Coenzyme
Q10
Phenothiazine drugs similar to perphenazine can cause changes in heart activity in some
people, which might be prevented by supplementing with coenzyme Q10.3 4
Therefore, some health practitioners may recommend coenzyme Q10 supplementation to people
taking perphenazine.
Vitamin
C
Taking phenothiazine drugs can stop menstruation in some women. Two women taking
phenothiazines similar to perphenazine began menstruating following supplementation with 6
grams of vitamin C each day.5 Controlled studies are needed to determine whether
vitamin C supplementation might benefit women specifically taking perphenazine who are
experiencing menstrual changes. Some health practitioners recommend vitamin C supplementation
to women who stop menstruating while taking perphenazine. Vitamin C might also enhance the
effectiveness of neuroleptic drugs such as perphenazine in the treatment of schizophrenia. One uncontrolled study showed that 10
of 13 individuals experienced a reduction in disorganized thoughts, hallucinations, and
suspicious thoughts when 8 grams of vitamin C was added to their daily drug
therapy.6 Controlled studies are needed to show whether people taking perphenazine
for schizophrenia might benefit from vitamin C supplementation.
Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds
Alcohol
Taking perphenazine and alcohol together may enhance the side effects of alcohol, such as
drowsiness and dizziness, and might increase the risk of suicide.7 Consequently,
people who are taking perphenazine should avoid alcohol.
References:
1. Drug Evaluations Subscription, Chicago, American Medical Association, Vol I, Section 3, Chapter 2, Winter, 1994.
2. Spring GK. Neurotoxicity with combined use of lithium and thioridazine. J Clin Psychiatry 1979;40:135–8.
3. Kishi T, Makino K, Okamoto T, et al. In Yamamura Y, Folkers K, Ito Y, eds. Biochemical and Clinical Aspects of Coenzyme Q, Volume 2. Amsterdam: Elsevier/North Holland Biomedical Press, 1980, 139–57.
4. Werbach MR. Foundations of Nutritional Medicine. Tarzana, CA: Third Line Press, Inc., 1997, 212.
5. Kanofsky JD, Kay SR, Lindenmayer JP, Seifter E. Ascorbic acid action in neuroleptic-associated amenorrhea. J Clin Psychopharmacol 1989;9:388–9 (letter).
6. Beauclair L, Vinogradov S, Riney SJ, et al. An adjunctive role for ascorbic acid in the treatment of schizophrenia? J Clin Psychopharmacol 1987;7:282–3.
7. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 2842–4.
Copyright © 2002 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved. www.healthnotes.com
Please read the disclaimer about the limitations of the information provided here. Do NOT rely solely on the information in this article.
Learn more about Healthnotes, the company.
Learn more about the authors of Safetychecker.
The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2003.
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