Chlorpromazine (Thorazine): What It Does and How to Use It
Chlorpromazine is an older antipsychotic that still helps people with schizophrenia, severe agitation, and nausea when other drugs fail. It calms overactive brains by blocking dopamine and other receptors. That reduces hallucinations, delusions, and extreme restlessness.
Doctors use chlorpromazine for psychotic disorders, manic episodes, severe nausea, and sometimes hiccups that won't stop. In emergencies it can lower high agitation quickly. Because it affects many brain chemicals, it can also cause sedation. That's useful in the short term but can be annoying if it lasts.
How to take it and typical doses
Your provider will pick a dose based on the problem, your age, and other health issues. Adults often start low and increase slowly. For psychosis, daily oral doses commonly range from 25 mg to several hundred mg split throughout the day. For severe agitation or nausea, doctors may use injections in a hospital setting. Never change dose or stop suddenly without talking to your prescriber; sudden stopping can make symptoms return or cause withdrawal.
Side effects and what to watch for
Common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, and blurred vision. It can also cause low blood pressure when you stand up, leading to dizziness. Some people gain weight or feel shaky. A serious group of side effects called extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) can cause muscle stiffness, tremors, or restlessness. Another rare but dangerous reaction is neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) - very high fever, stiff muscles, and confusion - which needs emergency care.
Chlorpromazine can affect the heart rhythm, especially in high doses or when mixed with other drugs that do the same. It may make you more sensitive to sunlight. Older adults and people with dementia face higher risks for severe side effects and increased mortality, so doctors usually avoid it for those groups when possible.
Interactions matter. Combining chlorpromazine with alcohol, sedatives, certain antidepressants, or other antipsychotics raises risk for breathing problems, low blood pressure, or heart issues. Also tell your doctor about medications for heart rhythm, Parkinson's, or high blood pressure. Your healthcare team may need to adjust doses or monitor you more closely.
Before starting, mention pregnancy, breastfeeding, liver problems, glaucoma, severe heart disease, and a history of blood disorders. Pregnant people should discuss risks and benefits; chlorpromazine can cause newborn withdrawal or movement issues right after birth.
Practical tips: take it with food if it upsets your stomach, avoid driving until you know how it affects you, and protect your skin from strong sunlight. Keep regular follow-ups to check blood pressure, weight, and any movement side effects. If you notice fever, very stiff muscles, severe confusion, or sudden fainting, get medical help fast.
Want related info? Check our guides on antipsychotic alternatives, managing EPS, and safe medication purchasing to learn more about options and safety. Keep your prescriber in the loop - meds work best when you and your healthcare team stay connected.
Ask your pharmacist about interactions and cost-saving options for chlorpromazine today.
