Thorazine (chlorpromazine) is a conventional or typical antipsychotic medication belonging to a class of drugs called phenothiazines. It works by interfering with dopaminergic transmissions and reducing excitement in the brain. This medication is only available with a doctor or psychiatrist’s prescription.

Treatment Purpose of Thorazine

Thorazine is used to manage and reduce hallucinations, delusions, extreme emotions, and other related symptoms that generally accompany schizophrenia. It may also be used to reduce symptoms of mania experienced by people diagnosed with bipolar. Children ages one to 12 years who display severe behavioral issues may benefit from taking this medication. While this medication does help to manage associated symptoms, it is not intended to be used as a cure for schizophrenia, bipolar, or behavioral issues. People taking this drug for mental health concerns often also pursue other psychological treatment such as psychotherapy.

Thorazine is sometimes prescribed to treat excessive and prolonged cases of hiccups, nervousness before surgical operations, nausea and vomiting, acute intermittent porphyria, and may be used as part of a course of treatment for tetanus.

Dosage FAQs

Contraindications

Do not use this drug if you have allergic reactions to chlorpromazine or other drugs in the phenothiazine family. This medication may increase the risk of death for elderly people experiencing dementia. Excessive or long-term use of this drug may lead to the development of a severe and sometimes irreversible condition called tardive dyskinesia.

Talk to your doctor before you start taking this drug, especially if you have a history of asthma, emphysema, glaucoma, breast cancer, heart disease, liver disease, enlarged prostate, adrenal gland tumors, kidney disease, problems with your blood cells or bone marrow, or lung infections. Tell your doctor if you plan to become pregnant during treatment, or if you will be exposed to extremely hot or cold conditions. If you work with organophosphorus insecticides, you should not take this drug.

Thorazine may interact with other medications or supplements, including antihistamines, anticoagulants, barbiturates, diuretics, anti-anxiety medications, herbal products, vitamins, minerals, and more. If you are taking other prescription drugs or supplements, you should check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medication.

Considerations for Use

Using this drug may increase your risk for injury, accidents, and may complicate pregnancy. If you are prescribed this drug, your doctor or pharmacist should cover the following warnings:

Possible Side Effects of Thorazine

If you experience serious or severe side effects after using this medication, you should call your doctor. Serious side effects may include:

Less serious side effects may include:

Safe Withdrawal from Thorazine

It is important to taper off of this medication slowly to avoid severe withdrawal reactions, even if you are replacing Thorazine with another medication. Talk to your doctor about the best way to lower and eventually stop your dosage. Possible symptoms of withdrawal include:

References:

  1. Drugs.com. (2014). Thorazine. Retrieved from http://www.drugs.com/mtm/thorazine.html
  2. Medline Plus. (2011). Chlorpromazine. Retrieved from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a682040.html
  3. RxList. (2008). Thorazine. Retrieved from http://www.rxlist.com/thorazine-drug.htm

Page content reviewed by James Pendleton, ND.