Brand Names: Thorazine

Generic Name: chlorpromazine (oral) (Pronunciation: klor PROE ma zeen)

• What is chlorpromazine (Thorazine)?
• What are the possible side effects of chlorpromazine (Thorazine)?
• What is the most important information I should know about chlorpromazine (Thorazine)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking chlorpromazine (Thorazine)?
• How should I take chlorpromazine (Thorazine)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Thorazine)?
• What happens if I overdose (Thorazine)?
• What should I avoid while taking chlorpromazine (Thorazine)?
• What other drugs will affect chlorpromazine (Thorazine)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is chlorpromazine (Thorazine)?

Chlorpromazine is an anti-psychotic medication in a group of drugs called phenothiazines (FEEN-oh-THYE-a-zeens). It works by changing the actions of chemicals in your brain.

Chlorpromazine is used to treat psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia or manic-depression, and severe behavioral problems in children. It is also used to treat nausea and vomiting, anxiety before surgery, chronic hiccups, acute intermittent porphyria, and symptoms of tetanus.

Chlorpromazine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Chlorpromazine 10 mg-GG

round, beige, imprinted with GG 455, 10

ChlorproMAZINE 10 mg-UPS

round, yellow, imprinted with 832 10

Chlorpromazine 100 mg-GG

round, brown, imprinted with GG 437, 100

ChlorproMAZINE 100 mg-UPS

round, yellow, imprinted with 832 100

Chlorpromazine 200 mg-GG

round, brown, imprinted with GG 457, 200

ChlorproMAZINE 200 mg-UPS

round, yellow, imprinted with 832 200

ChlorproMAZINE 25 mg-GG

round, yellow, imprinted with 25, GG 476

ChlorproMAZINE 25 mg-UPS

round, yellow, imprinted with 832 25

Chlorpromazine 50 mg-GG

round, brown, imprinted with GG 407, 50

ChlorproMAZINE 50 mg-UPS

round, yellow, imprinted with 832 50

What are the possible side effects of chlorpromazine (Thorazine)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking chlorpromazine and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• twitching or uncontrollable movements of your eyes, lips, tongue, face, arms, or legs;
• tremor (uncontrolled shaking), drooling, trouble swallowing, problems with balance or walking;
• feeling restless, jittery, or agitated;
• feeling like you might pass out;
• seizure (black-out or convulsions);
• nausea upper stomach pain, itching, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, fever, sore throat, flu symptoms;
• high fever, stiff muscles, confusion, sweating, fast or uneven heartbeats, rapid breathing;
• unusual thoughts or behavior;
• decreased night vision, tunnel vision, watery eyes, increased sensitivity to light;
• urinating less than usual or not at all;
• joint pain or swelling with fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, chest pain, vomiting, and patchy skin color; or
• slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, slow breathing (breathing may stop).

Less serious side effects may include:

• dizziness, drowsiness, anxiety, sleep problems (insomnia);
• breast swelling or discharge;
• changes in menstrual periods;
• weight gain, swelling in your hands or feet;
• dry mouth or stuffy nose, blurred vision;
• constipation; or
• impotence, trouble having an orgasm.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Thorazine (chlorpromazine) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about chlorpromazine (Thorazine)?

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have twitching or uncontrollable movements of your eyes, lips, tongue, face, arms, or legs. These could be early signs of dangerous side effects.

Chlorpromazine is not for use in psychotic conditions related to dementia. Chlorpromazine may cause heart failure, sudden death, or pneumonia in older adults with dementia-related conditions.

Do not use chlorpromazine if you have brain damage, bone marrow depression, or are also using large amounts of alcohol or medicines that make you sleepy. Do not use if you are allergic to chlorpromazine or other phenothiazines.

Before you take chlorpromazine, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, heart disease or high blood pressure, glaucoma, severe breathing problems, past or present breast cancer, low levels of calcium in your blood, adrenal gland tumor, enlarged prostate or urination problems, a history of seizures, Parkinson's disease, or if you have ever had a serious side effect while using chlorpromazine or similar medicines.

Before taking chlorpromazine, tell your doctor about all other medications you use.