Chlorpromazine is used for the treatment of certain psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, the manic phase of bipolar disorder, anxiety and restlessness before surgery, porphyria and other children’s behavioral disorders (nausea, vomiting and severe hiccups).
In combination with other drugs it is also used for treatment of tetanus symptoms.
What is Chlorpromazine?
Chlorpromazine is a phenothiazine. Its exact mechanism of action is not fully understood.
How should Chlorpromazine be taken?
Chlorpromazine may be administered orally (usually in the form of concentrates, capsules, syrups or tablets) or rectally.
Side effects associated with Chlorpromazine
Chlorpromazine may increase your skin's sun sensitivity. Additionally, it can trigger muscle movements, increase the blood level of sugar and the Prolactin hormone and also increase the risk of neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
Among the other possible adverse effects are included:
- Agitation
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Dilated pupils
- Nervousness
- Nausea
- Stuffy nose
You should immediately contact a doctor if taking Chlorpromazine triggers any of the following symptoms:
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Itchy skin
- Difficult breathing
- Pain or tightness in the chest
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue
- Confusion
- Reduced coordination
- Mouth foaming
- Fainting
- Rapid, slow or irregular heartbeat
- Face that looks like a mask
- Muscle spasms in the face, neck or back
- Muscle weakness
- New psychiatric problems or aggravation of existing ones
- Numbness of arms or legs
- Prolonged or painful erection
- Restlessness
- Convulsions
- Constipation, dizziness, headache or sleepiness (severe or persistent)
- Stiff muscles
- Short breath
- Sudden vomiting
- Swelling in hands, ankles or feet
- Symptoms of infection
- Symptoms of a liver problem
- Tremors
- Difficulties while urinating
- Tics and uncontrolled twists
- Bleeding and bruising
- Unusual eye movements or inability to move them
- Excessive sweating
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Pallor
- Vision problems
- Dragging the feet while walking.
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Chlorpromazine
Chlorpromazine may impair the ability to drive or operate hazardous machinery, especially when taken together with alcohol or other drugs. It may also cause dangerous dizziness when standing up from lying or sitting position, especially in the morning, in the heat, if you have a fever, if you exercise or if you are taking alcohol.
Chlorpromazine should not be taken in case of recent alcohol or drug use (such as barbiturates or narcotics) that can cause drowsiness. Furthermore, it should not be taken together with amiodarone, bretylium, astemizole, cabergoline, cisapride, dofetilide, metoclopramide, pergolise, quinidine, sotalol, tefrenadina or tramadol.
Moreover, before starting the treatment it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergy to the active substance or other drugs (in particular to other Phenothiazines and sulphites) or food
- You are taking other medications, herbal supplements and in particular drugs that increase the risk of QT prolongation, multivitamins, herbal tea, coenzyme Q10, garlic, ginseng, gingko and St. John's wort and any medicines for: allergies or against clotting problems, tumors, infections, inflammations, pain, heart problems, blood pressure or high cholesterol, irregular heartbeat, mood or mental problems, nausea or vomiting, Parkinson's disease, seizures, gastrointestinal disorders, overactive bladder
- You suffer (or have suffered) from heart, liver, blood or kidney disorders, high diabetes, blood pressure, bone marrow problems, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, tardive dyskinesia, prostatic hypertrophy, psychiatric disorders, pheochromocytoma, asthma, lung infections or respiratory problems, glaucoma (or if you are at risk high eye pressure), Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia, Reye's syndrome, high levels of prolactin or tumors
- You have recent or planned myelogram
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
It is recommended to inform physicians, surgeons and dentists about ongoing treatment with Chlorpromazine prior to any procedure.
Finally, during treatment you should not drink alcohol.
