trifluoperazine
n. a high-potency antipsychotic of the piperazine phenothiazine class. Like other agents of this class, it acts primarily by blocking postsynaptic dopamine D2 receptors. Trifluoperazine is appropriate for the treatment of schizophrenia in both adults and children and of severe, nonpsychotic anxiety in adults only. It may also be used to control behavioral symptoms associated with dementia. Because of its potentially severe side effects (e.g., tardive dyskinesia, neuroleptic malignant syndrome)—and the availability of other, relatively nontoxic anxiolytics (e.g., the benzodiazepines)—it is not recommended for routine use in treating anxiety. U.S. trade name: Stelazine.