Side effects of phenothiazines often involve the central nervous system and may be severe. These include trouble staying still, repetitive involuntary movements, abnormal postures, drowsiness, and increased salivation. Some people have developed neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Symptoms include rigid muscles, fever, and delirium.
Other side effects include dry mouth, blurry vision, deposits in the lens or cornea of the eye, problems with body temperature, reduced sweating, changes in heart rhythm, itching, nausea, constipation, and not being able to urinate. A person's skin may become sensitive to light. Men often have erection or ejaculation problems. Women may produce milk and have changes in their menstrual cycle. Phenothiazines can make it dangerous to drive or to operate machinery.
Long-term use of phenothiazines can cause fine particles to be deposited in the lens or cornea of the eye. These may cause vision problems.
Older people who take antipsychotic drugs have a higher risk of death, especially from heart problems or infection.
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