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Prochlorperazine
A healthcare provider may recommend prochlorperazine for the treatment of a number of conditions, including schizophrenia, anxiety, and severe nausea or vomiting. While the drug is not a cure for anxiety or schizophrenia, it can help control symptoms of these conditions. Prochlorperazine, which is available by prescription, comes in tablet, rectal suppository, and injectable forms. Side effects of the medicine may include a dry mouth, dizziness, drowsiness, and blurred vision.
Part of a group of drugs known as phenothiazines, prochlorperazine maleate (Compazine®) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed to treat the following conditions:
- Severe nausea and vomiting
- Schizophrenia
- Anxiety (for short-term use only).
Side Effects
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with prochlorperazine. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. When 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 of prochlorperazine include, but are not limited to:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Unusual body movements, shakiness, or twitches
- Blurred vision
- Sexual problems (see Compazine Sexual Side Effects)
- Dry mouth (see Compazine and Dry Mouth).
(Click Side Effects of Prochlorperazine to learn about specific side effects, including some of the more serious side effects that you should report to your healthcare provider.)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD