THORAZINE (CHLORPROMAZINE)

Thorazine Description

Thorazine has been helping people with mental illnesses since 1954 and continues to be an effective antipsychotic drug that is prescribed to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia, mania, and short-term treatment of severe anxiety and excitement, or violent, dangerous, and impulsive behavior.

Although Thorazine or generic Chlorpromazine is not a cure for mental illness, it enables you to function better and take care of yourself once things are not so confusing or intimidating. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

How Thorazine Helps to Reduce Dopamine’s Overactivity

Schizophrenia and some other mental disorders are thought to be a result of the overactivity of a brain chemical that acts as a neurotransmitter called dopamine. When taken as directed, Thorazine blocks an assortment of receptors in your brain, dopamine receptors in particular. Dopamine is involved in regulating your moods and behavior as well as your motivation to get things done. The action of blocking dopamine receptors results in a reduction of the over-activity so that schizophrenia or other mental conditions are better controlled. Thorazine is not approved to treat mental problems caused by dementia.

Other Uses for Thorazine

Some doctors may prescribe Thorazine to control nausea and vomiting in those with a terminal illness or when undergoing cancer therapy that causes sickness. Your vomiting center is located in an area of your brain that also has dopamine receptors. When your body is administered anti-cancer meds, your body’s immune system sees this as something foreign and possibly dangerous. A message to the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) is sent out and your vomiting center becomes activated.

Now you start to feel nauseous and begin to vomit as a way for your body to expel the threat of something unknown. When the receptors are blocked by Thorazine or generic Chlorpromazine, the message is never received so you will not become sick. If you are plagued by hiccups that have not stopped after other treatments, ask about Thorazine as a remedy.

Before Thorazine is Prescribed

If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding, tell your doctor before taking Thorazine as there may be health risks that could affect your unborn or nursing baby. To determine if Thorazine is safe for you to take, explain other medical conditions or allergies you have to your doctor and list any current OTC or Rx medications you take, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements.

Thorazine Precautions and Recommendations

You should not drive or participate in any activities that require your full attention as Thorazine will cause drowsiness. Do not consume alcohol while on Thorazine or you may experience an increase of certain side effects. Never start, stop, or change the dosage of any of your drugs without consulting with your doctor first. Monitor your blood glucose regularly as it may become too low or too high from this drug.

Possible Side Effects of Thorazine

• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness
• Constipation
• Increased skin sensitivity to sunlight