| Common Brands | Thorazine, Largactil |
|---|---|
|
Drug Class |
Typical antipsychotic (phenothiazine) |
|
Controlled Substance Classification |
Not a controlled medication |
|
Generic Status |
Lower-cost generic available |
|
Availability |
Prescription only |
Chlorpromazine is an antipsychotic or neuroleptic drug used in the treatment of mental conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and extreme anxiety. The use of this medication is regulated through the balancing of certain chemicals in the brain responsible for the above conditions. Chlorpromazine can also be used to treat nausea and vomiting, as well as some behavioral problems. It can be very effective for such purposes, but it is always important to know how it works, its uses, side effects, and other necessary information.
Chlorpromazine is available in oral tablets or liquids and injections. The appropriate way of administration is as follows:
Tablet; Oral tablet. The tablet should be taken exactly as prescribed with or without food. It should be swallowed with a glass full of water. Never crush nor chew on this tablet.
Liquid; Administer exactly as prescribed. Liquid medications should always be administered using a special measuring device or syringe. Liquid medications should never be taken with a house spoon because a house spoon never measures accurately.
Injectable Form: Administered in the clinic under the orders of a physician,.
Never stop chlorpromazine medication without discussing it with your physician. Withdrawal reactions may occur when chlorpromazine use is discontinued abruptly. Taper the medication under your physician’s guidance.
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Always watch the doses and times dispensed not to overdose or underdose.
Chlorpromazine acts on the neurotransmitters in the brain and specifically at dopamine levels. Dopamine is the chemical messenger, which mediates mood, and it has an important role to play in symptoms of schizophrenia and other psychoses. Conditions like schizophrenia usually manifest with excessive dopaminergic activity, thus exacerbating delusional or hallucinatory activity.
Chlorpromazine blocks the dopamine receptor in the brain, which helps alleviate the symptoms and improves the mood of the patient and actual perception of their reality. It is also believed to interfere with serotonin, affecting mood and conduct.
As with any medication, chlorpromazine may cause side effects. Some of the side effects are more common, while others are less common but serious. Here are some common and serious side effects:
Common Side Effects:
Serious Side Effects:
EPS: They are extrapyramidal symptoms like Parkinsonism, with features such as tremors and rigidity of limbs. Their treatment requires physician’s care. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a very infrequent condition resulting in fever, muscle stiffness, confusion, and autonomic dysfunction, with characteristic changes in pulse rate and BP. This has to be referred immediately.
Tardive dyskinesia: It is one of the long-term side effects and is characterized by involuntary and repetitive movements of the face and tongue, and this may be irreversible. It occurs more likely in chronic drug use.
Blood disorders: Chlorpromazine decreases white blood cells and platelets that lead to complications of infection and bleeding.
Liver disease: Chlorpromazine rarely causes liver damage and hence must be checked by monitoring the liver function of the patient.
Chlorpromazine is relatively safe for most patients, but there are a few precautions to note:
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Chlorpromazine is dangerous for the fetus. The medication must be used only when the advantages outweigh the dangers in pregnant females. However, the medication is excreted in the breast milk; hence, the mothers are recommended to avoid breastfeeding unless they take consultation from their doctors.
Liver or Kidney Diseases: Chlorpromazine may cause liver or kidney disease. Hence, it is contraindicated in individuals suffering from such medical conditions.
Cardiovascular Diseases: Chlorpromazine affects heart rhythm and blood pressure; thus, this medication should be used cautiously in patients who have heart conditions or low blood pressure.
Aged Patients: Elderly patients are more sensitive to the sedative effects of chlorpromazine, dizziness, and extrapyramidal symptoms. Older patients should receive lower doses of chlorpromazine.
It can interact with other medications like
Antidepressant drugs; chlorpromazine may increase sedation from it
Anti-hypertensive drugs there is a risk of developing low blood pressure.
Other CNS depressants: There is alcohol, sedatives, or narcotics that could cause drowsiness and sedation.
Antiparkinson drugs: Chlorpromazine can worsen Parkinson’s disease because dopamine is being blocked.
Make sure to tell your doctor about all the drugs you are on presently so that you do not react with the drugs in a destructive way.
The dosage of chlorpromazine varies from person to person and the condition being treated. It has to be followed very carefully according to the prescription provided by the doctor in order to avoid side effects.
Usual adult dosage:
For schizophrenia or psychotic disorders, the usual starting dose is 25 mg to 50 mg taken 2 to 3 times per day. The dose may be increased gradually.
For nausea or vomiting, the dosing could start at 10 mg to 25 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
The injection formulation is used if an immediate onset is required. For this, an emergency or even a hospital setting will suffice.
Chlorpromazine is a prescription medicine; only a healthcare provider can prescribe it to you. They primarily prescribe the medication after making a judgment based on your assessment recommendation from your doctor, which feels that you would be beneficial for managing symptoms. Most times, follow-up tests are quite often, considering side effects might surface and revising your medication should be an enhancement.
What is Chlorpromazine used for?
It is used to treat psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
How does Chlorpromazine work?
It blocks dopamine receptors in the brain to reduce psychotic symptoms.
Can Chlorpromazine treat nausea and vomiting?
Yes, it is sometimes used to control severe nausea.
Is Chlorpromazine effective for controlling agitation?
Yes, it is used to manage agitation in psychiatric conditions.
What are common side effects of Chlorpromazine?
Drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, and extrapyramidal symptoms.
Can Chlorpromazine cause weight gain?
Yes, weight gain is a possible side effect.
Is Chlorpromazine addictive?
It is not considered addictive but requires careful monitoring.
Can it cause low blood pressure?
Yes, it can cause orthostatic hypotension.
Is Chlorpromazine safe during pregnancy?
Use only if clearly needed and prescribed by a doctor.
What are extrapyramidal symptoms?
Movement disorders like tremors, stiffness, and restlessness caused by Chlorpromazine.
Does it affect blood sugar levels?
It can increase blood sugar; diabetic patients need monitoring.
How long does it take to see effects?
Several days to weeks for full therapeutic effect.
Can Chlorpromazine be stopped abruptly?
No, it should be tapered off under medical supervision.
Is Chlorpromazine available as a generic drug?
Yes, it is available in generic form.
What drug class does Chlorpromazine belong to?
Typical antipsychotics (first-generation antipsychotics).
Is it a controlled substance?
No, Chlorpromazine is not classified as a controlled substance.
What forms does Chlorpromazine come in?
Tablets, liquid, and injectable forms.
Are there any warnings for elderly patients?
Increased risk of side effects such as sedation and falls.
Can Chlorpromazine cause photosensitivity?
Yes, it can increase sensitivity to sunlight.
What should I avoid while taking Chlorpromazine?
Avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants.
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