Generally, this effect tends to subside with continued therapy or a reduction in dosage. Pseudoparkinsonism and other extrapyramidal symptoms may occur but are infrequent. Nocturnal confusion , hyperactivity, lethargy, psychotic reactions, restlessness and headache have been reported but are extremely rare. Dryness of mouth , blurred vision, constipation, nausea, vomiting , diarrhea , nasal stuffiness and pallor have been seen. Galactorrhea, breast engorgement, amenorrhea, inhibition of ejaculation and peripheral edema have been described.
Photosensitivity is extremely rare.
It should be noted that efficacy , indications and untoward effects have varied with the different phenothiazines. It has been reported that old age lowers the tolerance for phenothiazines. The most common neurological side effects in these patients are parkinsonism and akathisia. There appears to be an increased risk of agranulocytosis and leukopenia in the geriatric population. The physician should be aware that the following have occurred with one or more phenothiazines and should be considered whenever one of these drugs is used.