Chlorpromazine

About chlorpromazine

This belongs to the group of medicines known as neuroleptics.

Chlorpromazine is used to treat some types of mental illness. Symptoms may include hearing, seeing or sensing things that are not there, mistaken beliefs and paranoia (unusual suspiciousness). Chlorpromazine is also used to treat moments of sudden dangerous behaviour, agitation (restlessness) and is also useful in the short-term treatment of unrelated illnesses such as anxiety (worry). It can is also be used to treat motor tics, where the body moves or twitches without control and Gilles de la Tourette syndrome, a condition which causes tics and obscene speech or noises by the patient.

Chlorpromazine can also be used to prevent or treat feeling or being sick and to treat persistent hiccups.

Chlorpromazine is available as tablets, oral liquid and injection.

It is also sometimes known as: Largactil; Largactil Forte. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before taking chlorpromazine

Before taking chlorpromazine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from any heart problems
• if you suffer from kidney, liver or breathing problems
• if you suffer from Parkinson's disease or myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease)
• if you suffer from epilepsy, phaeochromocytoma (a growth on the adrenal glands), an under active thyroid gland or prostate problems
• if you suffer from glaucoma
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal/complementary medicines and those available to buy without a prescription.

How to take chlorpromazine

• Always read the manufacturer’s information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Take chlorpromazine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Try to get into the habit of taking chlorpromazine at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
• You may have to take chlorpromazine for several weeks before you feel the full effect.
• Do not stop taking chlorpromazine without first speaking with your doctor. Your doctor will probably want to reduce the dose you are taking gradually, as stopping treatment suddenly can cause problems.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of chlorpromazine contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any ‘over-the-counter’ medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe to take alongside chlorpromazine.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be checked.
• Chlorpromazine can cause drowsiness, dizziness and blurred vision. Make sure you know how you react to chlorpromazine before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert or able to see properly.
• Before having any surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the surgeon, doctor or dentist that you are taking chlorpromazine.
• Chlorpromazine can cause the skin to become more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid strong sunlight and sunbeds and use a sun-cream higher than factor 15 while you are being treated with chlorpromazine.
• Chlorpromazine can occasionally cause a dry mouth. If you experience this, try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking sugar-free sweets or pieces of ice. If a dry mouth becomes a problem speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Do not drink alcohol, while you are being treated with chlorpromazine, as it will increase drowsiness.

Can chlorpromazine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Shakiness, abnormal face and body movements, restlessness, uncontrollable movements of the tongue face and jaw, drowsiness, mood changes, insomnia (trouble sleeping), dizziness, headache, confusion, constipation, diarrhoea, tummy ache, a stuffy nose, dry mouth, problems urinating (passing water), blurred vision, a fast or thumping heartbeat, changes in menstruation (periods), breast problems, sexual problems, weight gain, skin rashes, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), purple tint to the skin and eyes.

IMPORTANT: If you experience 'flu like' symptoms such as stiffness, high temperature, abnormal paleness, leaking bladder and a racing heartbeat contact your doctor immediately.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store chlorpromazine

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2006   Updated: 14/02/2006