What is Chlorpromazine?
Chlorpromazine (FEEN-oh-THYE-a-zeen) is an adult phenothiazine medicine commonly prescribed to treat psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia and manic-depression in adults. Adults can also use chlorpromazine to treat nausea, vomiting, anxiety prior to surgery, chronic hiccups (acute intermittent porphyria), and symptoms of tetanus. Children aged 1 to 12 years can be treated with chlorpromazine for severe behavioural problems, such as aggressive or combative behaviour. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of chlorpromazine.
Side effects of Chlorpromazine
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, or throat. If you're an older adult, you may be more susceptible to developing this movement disorder.
Chlorpromazine may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Uncontrolled facial movements (such as lip smacking and frowning; tongue movement or blinking);
- You may experience stiffness or tightness of the neck, difficulty breathing, or swallowing.
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- Confusion, agitation, feeling jittery, trouble sleeping;
- Weakness;
- Breast swelling or discharge;
- A seizure;
- Jaundice refers to an appearance of yellowness on both skin and eyes.
- Low white blood cell count—fever and chills; sore throat; coughing; difficulty breathing; feeling lightheaded
- Severe nervous system reaction: very stiff (rigid muscles), high fever, sweating and confusion, rapid or uneven heartbeats Tremors. Feeling like you may pass out.
Those over 65 years old may experience more side effects.
Chlorpromazine side effects may include:
- Drowsiness;
- Dry mouth or stuffy nose
- Blurred vision
- Constipation
- Impotence is a problem that can lead to an orgasm.
There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects; for FDA reporting purposes call them directly on 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
If you experience uncontrollable movements in your arms, legs, face, lips, or tongue, call your doctor immediately. These symptoms could be the beginning of a dangerous side effect. The use of chlorpromazine in older adults suffering from dementia-related psychosis is not recommended.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to chlorpromazine (or other phenothiazines such as fluphenazine, perphenazine, prochlorperazine, promethazine, or trifluoperazine), then do not take it. If you've recently consumed large quantities of alcohol or a medicine that causes you to sleep, you should not take chlorpromazine. The use of chlorpromazine in dementia-related psychosis may increase the death risk. It is not approved.
Inform your doctor immediately of any of the following issues:
- If you have severe asthma or emphysema (or other breathing problems),
- A sulfite allergy;
- Bone marrow suppression
- Heart disease
- Liver or kidney disease
- Breast Cancer
- Glaucoma;
- Parkinson's disease;
- Seizures
- A blockage of your intestines
- A tumour of the brain,
- Pheochromocytoma
If you plan to be exposed to high temperatures or insecticide poisons, tell your doctor. Do not administer this medication to children without consulting a doctor. Consult your doctor before you give chlorpromazine if a child has been sick with flu or fever symptoms. Antipsychotic medication used in the last three months of pregnancy can cause breathing problems, feeding difficulties, or withdrawal symptoms for the newborn. You may experience withdrawal symptoms or have other problems if your medication is stopped during pregnancy. When pregnant, contact your physician immediately and notify him/her immediately. Do not stop taking chlorpromazine before consulting your doctor. This medicine should not be used while breastfeeding.
How to take chlorpromazine for my treatment?
Read all instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all instructions on the label. Follow the directions on the label. Oral chlorpromazine is taken orally. The injection of chlorpromazine is given either as an intravenous infusion or into the muscle. This injection will be given by a healthcare provider. After receiving a chlorpromazine shot, you may be asked for a few minutes to lie down. You may feel a little light-headed or dizzy after receiving a chlorpromazine injection. Regularly, your doctor will check on you. You may need to have your vision checked.
Inform any doctor treating you of your use of chlorpromazine. Tell your doctor that you use chlorpromazine. Tell your doctor if you plan to undergo a spinal tap, MRI, or x-ray of the spinal cord. You may experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking chlorpromazine. Please consult with your physician on how best to discontinue taking the medications safely. Keep away from moisture, light and heat at room temperature to prolong shelf life.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Never take two doses of any medicine at the same time. This will result in overdose.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 immediately if you suspect poisoning and seek immediate medical care. Overdose symptoms include a dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, cramps in the stomach, restlessness, fever, muscle stiffness or jerky movements, heart rate changes, and fainting.
What should be avoided?
You should avoid driving or engaging in hazardous activities until you understand how chlorpromazine affects you. Dizziness and fatigue may result in accidents and serious injuries, leading to accidents or injuries of their own. You may get dizzy if you stand up quickly from a seated or lying position. Alcohol consumption can have side effects when taken with this medication. Avoid tanning beds or exposure to sunlight. Chlorpromazine may make you more susceptible to sunburn. When you're outdoors, wear protective clothing and apply sunscreen (SPF 30) or higher.
Interaction with other drug
This effect can be worsened by taking chlorpromazine along with other drugs that make you sleepy. Before taking an opioid, sleeping pill, muscle relaxant, anxiety medicine, or medication for seizures, consult your doctor. Other drugs, such as prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, may also affect chlorpromazine. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and those that you will begin or stop using.
