What Causes Difficulty In Walking After Taking Perphenazine?

Posted on Wed, 16 Apr 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 16 Apr 2014 Answered on

Sat, 3 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : am on perphenazine since 1987 hospitalized the initial time... recently I find myself unable to go upstairs or even walk across the pool in my development. why?

Answered by Dr. Praveen (5 hours later)

Brief Answer: Antipsychotics cause movement disorders Detailed Answer: Hi dear.Thanks for writing on HCM. Perphenazine is a antipsychotic and I would like to know if you have been prescribed for Schizophrenia. Musculoskeletal problems ranging from numbness and aching of arms and legs to dystonias - slow, sustained muscular contractions or spasms are the side effect (extrapyramidal side effects-EPS) of Perphernazine. I were to gradually switch to any of the second generation (which are devoid of EPS) like Olanzapine instead of Perphenazine to overcome this limitation. Hope this answers your query.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Praveen (9 hours later)

yes am according to progress notes am paranoid schizophrenia. however, there is no muscular contractions or spasms where I use to go up stairs.. I have a fear of going up too many and end up going back down. the pool.. I cannot swim anyway, but I enjoy walking the pool... now it seems I am afraid to enter the pool why?

Answered by Dr. Praveen (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Anxiolytic to overcome your fear Detailed Answer: Hi dear.Thanks for writing me back. In such case, I wouldo add a mild anxiolytic in addition to your existing treatment to overcome your fear. Since you do not appear to have any limitations in your movements you may continue the same medication as per your MD's advise. Wish your all the best.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad