Chlorpromazine

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Chlorpromazine is a white tablet it belongs to a group of drugs known as Phenothiazine It is also amongst one of the first antipsychotics drugs. Effective in suppressing abnormal behaviour, Chlorpromazine will also reduce aggression and has a general tranquillizing effect. Chlorpromazine is also used along with other medications to treat tetanus (infection that may cause tightening of the muscles, especially the jaw muscle).

The drug is used in the treatment of schizophrenia, mania and other disorders where confused aggressive or abnormal behaviour may occur, and a degree of sedation is required without causing stupor. This is also a help with agitated states in the elderly and can be controlled without causing confusion. However, Haloperidol may be preferred for the rapid control of hyperactive psychotic states and causes less hypotension than chlorpromazine and is therefore also popular for agitation and restlessness in the elderly, despite the high incidence of *extrapyramidal (symptoms that can occur in persons taking antipsychotic medications) side-effects.

Other uses of this particular drug include the treatment of nausea and vomiting especially when caused by drug or radiation treatment. Hiccup due to gastric distension may be helped by Chlorpromazine when other treatments have failed. The drawback to the using of chlorpromazine is that it can produce many side-effects, some of which are serious. The drug works on a variety of receptors in the central nervous system, producing anticholinergic, antidopaminergic, antihistaminic, and antiadrenergic effects. Its anticholinergic properties are the cause of adverse effects. You may have to take chlorpromazine for several weeks before you feel the full benefits of this drug.

• Extrapyramidal side effects include:
• Tremor (a type of involuntary shaking movement).
• Akathisia (unpleasant sensations of “inner” restlessness that manifests itself with an inability to sit still).
• Slurred speech (can be a symptom of a few life threatening disorders (eg. stroke)).
• Dystonia (involuntary contractions of your muscles).
• Bradyphrenia (Slowed thought processes).
• Bradykinesia (abnormal slowness of movement: one of the 3 key symptoms of parkinsonism).
• Muscular rigidity (an involuntary state of continuous muscle tension).

Detailed Information

Quick Guide

• Phenothiazine antipsychotic danger of overdose – MEDIUM.
• Dependency is said to be – LOW.
• Prescription only drug – YES.
• Available as generic – YES.
• Alcohol Avoidance – YES.
• Alcohol may increase sedative effect of chlorpromazine.

Side Effects

You may prescribed Chlorpromazine suffer one or more of these side effects, in the initial stages. However, you may find you do not suffer any at all, as it does not follow that being on this medication will cause unwanted adverse effects.

Common: Blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, fainting, lethargy, weight gain, Parkinsonism, tremor
Rare: Infrequent periods, jaundice, light sensitive rash

The side effects listed here are the most common and rare problems reported by patients using Chlorpromazine. It may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug’s manufacturer. If common side effects persist you need to inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you suffer any of the rare or some other side effects not listed here. For total peace of mind, seek information from your doctor or chemist.

Prolonged Use

If Chlorpromazine is used for more than a few months it may give way to movement disorders. It is also possible to suffer jaundice occasionally.

Driving, Hazardous Work & Alcohol

Make sure you know how you react to chlorpromazine before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert or able to see properly. Chlorpromazine can cause drowsiness, slowed reactions, dizziness and blurred vision.

Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding

This medication may prolong labour and cause a drowsiness in the newborn. (not usually prescribed). The drug passes into the breast milk and could have an effect on your baby. Chlorpromazine should only be given during pregnancy when the benefit outweighs any risks. If you become pregnant while taking chlorpromazine, call your doctor. Discuss these important issues with your doctor.

Chlorpromazine is classified as a pregnancy Category C. but only if potential benefits to the mother outweigh any potential risks to the unborn…Pregnancy Category C: Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks. Chlorpromazine has not been classified by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration USA.) for risk during pregnancy.

Surgery or Dental Treatment

Before any surgery discuss this medication with your doctor, dentist or surgeon as it may need to be stopped prior to an operation.

Tell Your Doctor

You should tell your doctor if you have a current health problem. For example: heart disease, kidney problems, if you are pregnant or you intend to become pregnant, or if you think you may be at risk from drug treatment for any other reason. Some types of medication can cause serious adverse effects when taken side by side so it is important to tell your doctor of any other medication you are already taking. This should also include any over-the-counter medication. For example: Painkillers, cold remedies, herbal and complimentary / alternative medication.

Over 60’s & Children

Starting dose would be low and only increased if there are no abnormal body movements or the lowering of blood pressure (adverse reactions). (those over age 65), especially women, and patients receiving long-term antipsychotic treatment are prone to develop tardive dyskinesia. Chlorpromazine would not be recommended for infants under 1 year. If given to older children a reduced dosage would be necessary.

Overdose

An unintentional dose is unlikely to cause problems. However, large overdoses may cause unusual drowsiness, fainting, muscle rigidity and agitation. Notify your Doctor.

Failing this go to your nearest accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Take the container with you. This will help the hospital staff identify what has been taken and work towards given the right kind of help without delay.

Other Medication Reactions

All drugs that have a sedative effect on the nervous system will more likely than not increase the the sedative properties of this drug that includes the consumption of alcohol. Chlorpromazine and other antipsychotics may also reduce the effects of antiparkinson drugs. The side effects of drugs with anticholinergic properties may increase the effect of chlorpromazine.

Individuals suffering from epilepsy may require dosage adjustments of their anti-seizure medications. other antipsychotic drugs, antidepressants, certain heart medicines, and erythromycin may cause an increase in heart rhythm when taking along-side chlorpromazine. If you are being prescribed antihypertensive medication chlorpromazine may cause excessive reductions of blood pressure when taking along-side Chlorpromazine.

Missed A Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue the regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Reducing or Stopping Medication

Do not stop taking chlorpromazine without talking to your doctor. If your doctor feels it necessary he or she will probably decrease your dose gradually. If you suddenly stop taking chlorpromazine, you may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness, and shakiness and may lead to a worsening of your condition.

Effect Of Medication (from one dose)

Effects can be felt within 30 to 60 minutes when taken by mouth. 15 to 20 minutes if taken as an injection. Which has a lasting effect of 8 to 12 hours. When taken a suppository it could be up to 30 minutes, it’s duration of action could be 3 to 4 hours. When stopping the drug after regular use some effects could last up to 3 weeks.

Storage and Safety

• Never take more than the original dosage prescribed by your doctor.
• If your due to have treatment like an operation or dental work tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
• When you buy any medicines over-the-counter check with the pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
• Never take Chlorpromazine if it has past the expiry date shown on the box or container.
• Do not store medication above a temperature of 25°C or above a working area where high condensation may exits.
• Keep Chlorpromazine in its original container, in a cool dry place, away from the reach and eye sight of children.
• Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Do not discard old or unwanted drugs into your trash, sink or toilet.
• Return all unused or old medicines/drugs to your pharmacist. who will dispose of them safely. without causing unwanted effects on our inviroment.

If Chlorpromazine has been prescribed for you never allow anyone else to use it, even if you know or others feel their symptom are similar to your own.

Do not leave your doctors surgery until you have a clear understanding of what the drug your doctor has prescribed for you does, and why you have been prescribed it. It is common for people who do not understand the reason behind there treatment to take their medication correctly.