Chlorpromazine

liquid injection

capsules

suppositories

syrup

children: 0.5 mg per kg a day 3-4 x a day

elderly: lowest possible dose

can reach 2000 mg a day

nausea and vomiting

severe behavioural problems in children

strong tranquilizer

use of alcohol

use of pain killers, sleeping pills, sedatives (Demerol)

use of amphetamines ("uppers")

use of antihistamines, cold and flu medicine

use of drugs for high blood pressure

use of some antiparkinson's drugs

use of lithium

use of antacids

coma (passed out)

Reye's syndrome in children (swelling of the brain)

history of seizures

pregnancy, nursing

blood or bone marrow disease

liver, kidney, or heart disease

breast cancer

diabetes

glaucoma

lupus

surgery

often:
severe withdrawal symptoms

strengthening the effects of alcohol and other drugs

dry mouth

blurred eyesight, day and night

urinary problems

constipation

fainting, dizziness, drowsiness

stuffy nose

high blood pressure

nausea, vomiting

change in appetite, weight gain

sometimes:
tardive dyskinesia: uncontrolled movements of the tongue, mouth, arms and legs, which may be permanent and may come after stopping the drug

Parkinson's-like symptoms: shakiness, rigid muscles

seizures

increased pulse and heart rate

low blood pressure when standing

low white blood cell count, causing infections, bleeding

psychotic symptoms (with amphetamines)

agitation, sleeplessness

depression, disorientation

heart problems

eye problems

diabetes (25%)

prostate problems

glaucoma

changes in ability to adapt to temperature change

lowering of body temperature (elderly)

discoloration of skin (gray to violet) and eyes

liver damage, hepatitis, jaundice

itching, rash

sensitivity to sun

high fever

asthma

sexual problems, infertility

breast swelling (male and female)

menstrual problems

false positive pregnancy tests

rarely:
death, sometimes sudden, from any of these causes:

disordered body temperature

bone marrow poisoning

convulsions

blood clots

paralysis of the intestines

cardiac arrest (heart stoppage)

despair leading to suicide

vomiting into lungs*

*(30% of psychiatric patient deaths)

• Chlorpromazine causes brain (10-20%) and eye damage with long-term use.

• Your urine may be pink or purple. This is no problem.

• Blood cell counts and liver tests should be given regularly.

• You should not drive, operate machines, play sports, or do dangerous things until you know what this drug does to you.

• Tell your nurse, doctor, pharmacist or dentist about any other drugs you are taking before any new treatment. Check with them before you take any medicine, even if it isn't a prescription drug.

• There is no known treatment for tardive dyskinesia (TD). The brain damage done can be permanent. If symptoms appear, the drug must be stopped. One of the early signs of TD is a "worm-like" movement of the tongue. Stop the drug and see your doctor immediately if this happens to you.

• Avoid overheating your body in the sun, saunas, hot baths, etc., and avoid exposure to cold.

• This drug is eliminated in breast milk and affects an unborn child. It should not be given to nursing or pregnant women.

• Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of the problems or conditions listed or anything unusual is happening, especially to your eyesight.

• This is one of a group of psychiatric drugs which causes a serious and sometimes fatal reaction called Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome. It may cause body temperature raising, rigid muscles and coma (passing out), rapid heart beat and breathing, sweating, shaking and seizures. The death rate is 20%.

• Withdrawal symptoms can be severe with psychiatric drugs. If you stop using them, do it slowly.

[Table of Contents]