COMPAZINE (ALSO CALLED STEMETIL) PROCHLORPERAZINE

Compazine Description

Compazine or the generic Prochlorperazine may be prescribed by your doctor as a long-term treatment to manage symptoms of schizophrenia such as hallucinations, delusions, and aggressive behavior. Some people may also benefit from Compazine as a short-term treatment for acute mania that causes you to display uncharacteristic behavior that you may regret later, or if you experience severe anxiety over trivial matters. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

How Compazine Reduces Dopamine Levels in Your Brain

When taken to treat schizophrenia, Compazine works by blocking the dopamine receptors in your brain. Dopamine is one of the neurotransmitters that send messages between brain cells and is responsible for regulating your mood and behavior. It’s believed that schizophrenia is a result of the over activity of dopamine; so by preventing this brain chemical from binding to its receptors, there is less dopamine available to cause the symptoms seen in schizophrenics. This is how Compazine also relieves the symptoms of acute mania and severe anxiety.

At low doses, Compazine (also called Stemetil) is also helpful for controlling nausea and vomiting. Compazine obstructs dopamine receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone of your brain and messages to your vomit center cannot get through so you are able to avoid being nauseous or sick to your stomach.

More Information About Schizophrenia

People with schizophrenia may be described as having positive, negative, or cognitive symptoms. Positive symptoms mean that this mental illness has added or brought something new to your personality. This could be hallucinations, delusions, odd behavior, or nonsensical responses when asked a question. Negative symptoms may include apathy, social withdrawal, lethargy, difficulty concentrating, reduction in speech, and apparent lack of emotion in response to news or situations. The cognitive symptoms may not be obvious to everyone, but you may have memory loss or be unable to make decisions about things you don’t seem to understand.

Before Compazine is Prescribed

Ask your doctor about any harmful effects that may occur by taking Compazine while you are pregnant, if you become pregnant, or are breast feeding. Discuss other medical conditions or allergies you have with your doctor and list any OTC or Rx medicine you take, including herbal preparations and dietary or vitamin supplements so it can be determined if Compazine is safe for you to take.

Compazine Precautions and Recommendations

If you are also being treated for high blood pressure, your doctor may need to adjust the dosage of the medication because Compazine may enhance the effects of it and cause you to become dizzy or faint from blood pressure that is too low. Do not start or stop any medication while taking Compazine without first talking to your doctor. All medications should stored out of children’s reach and never shared with anyone else.

Possible Side Effects of Compazine

• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Insomnia
• Drowsiness
• Blurry vision