Information about Thorazine (Chlorpromazine)
Thorazine is the brand name for chlorpromazine, a first-generation antipsychotic (also known as a typical antipsychotic) used to manage a variety of mental health conditions. Chlorpromazine works by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain, which helps reduce symptoms of psychosis, anxiety, and agitation. It is commonly used to treat schizophrenia, severe behavioral problems, and nausea, and it also has sedative properties.
Product Highlights
- Used to manage symptoms of schizophrenia, such as delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking.
- Can be used to treat severe manic episodes in bipolar disorder.
- Effective in managing acute agitation or aggression in certain psychiatric conditions.
- Thorazine can be used to treat intractable nausea and vomiting, especially when other treatments are not effective.
- Occasionally used as a sedative before surgery to help relax patients and alleviate anxiety.
Key Ingredient
Key Benefits
- Aids in controlling the positive symptoms of schizophrenia, including hallucinations and delusions.
- Useful for calming agitation or aggression in psychiatric conditions, helping to stabilize patients.
- Effective in treating severe nausea and vomiting, particularly when other treatments fail.
- Helps to calm and sedate patients, which can be useful in certain medical settings or for short-term management of agitation.
Direction of Use
- The dosage of Thorazine will depend on the condition being treated. For schizophrenia, the starting dose is often 25 to 50 mg per day, which can be gradually increased. For nausea and vomiting, a lower dose (typically 10 to 25 mg) may be sufficient.
- Oral tablets should be taken with water, and the liquid form should be measured carefully using a dosage spoon or syringe. Injectable forms are administered by healthcare professionals in medical settings.
- If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible unless it is almost time for the next dose. Do not take two doses to compensate for a missed dose.
Safety Concerns
- Chlorpromazine may lead to movement disorders, such as tremors, stiffness, and restlessness. Long-term use may also lead to tardive dyskinesia, a condition involving involuntary movements.
- Because of its sedative effects, chlorpromazine can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or sedation, which may impair the ability to drive or operate machinery.
- Chlorpromazine can lower blood pressure, especially when standing up quickly, causing dizziness or fainting (orthostatic hypotension).
- It can lead to dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, and difficulty urinating.
- Some patients may experience significant weight gain, which can be a concern, especially for long-term use.
- A rare but potentially fatal condition characterized by fever, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, and autonomic dysfunction. Prompt medical attention is necessary if NMS is suspected.
- Liver function should be monitored, as chlorpromazine can affect liver enzymes.
Avoid Thorazine (Chlorpromazine) If
- You are allergic to chlorpromazine or any of the ingredients in the medication.
- You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks, as it can cause harm to the fetus.
- You are breastfeeding, as chlorpromazine can pass into breast milk and affect a nursing infant.
- You have a history of severe liver disease or bone marrow suppression.
- You have a history of severe cardiovascular problems, including arrhythmias, as chlorpromazine may exacerbate these issues.
- You have a history of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a rare but serious reaction to antipsychotic medications.
- You are taking other medications that can interact with chlorpromazine, including certain antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and other central nervous system depressants, unless prescribed and monitored by a healthcare provider.
