Chlorpromazine

Chlorpromazine can be used to treat a number of conditions, including schizophrenia, acute intermittent porphyria, and severe behavior problems in children. It is a typical antipsychotic that works by affecting a certain chemical in the brain. The drug is available by prescription, comes in tablet form, and is typically taken one to six times a day. Side effects can include nausea, drowsiness, dry mouth, and unusual body or facial movements.

What Is Chlorpromazine?

Part of a class of drugs known as "typical antipsychotics," chlorpromazine hydrochloride (Thorazine®) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed for the treatment of:
 
  • Schizophrenia
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Restlessness and worry before surgery
  • Acute intermittent porphyria (to help relieve nausea and vomiting associated with this condition)
  • Tetanus (in combination with other medications)
  • Mania symptoms in people with bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression)
  • Hiccups that will not go away
  • Severe behavior problems in children
  • Severe attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children (for short-term use only).
 
(Click What Is Chlorpromazine Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Are There Side Effects?

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with chlorpromazine.
 However, not everyone who takes the medicine will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects include but are not limited to:
 
 
(Click Side Effects of Chlorpromazine to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
  
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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