Chlorpromazine, an anti-psychotic medication, is intended to treat symptoms of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Although many individuals who suffer from these conditions find that their symptoms improve after taking this medication, some experience bothersome or even dangerous side effects. Patients should always talk to a doctor about the potential side effects of chlorpromazine before taking the medication.
Common Side Effects
Many people experience mild or temporary side effects when they first begin taking chlorpromazine. These side effects may include impotence, constipation, blurred vision, dry mouth, stuffy nose, weight gain, swelling in the hands or feet, menstrual changes, breast swelling or discharge, insomnia, anxiety, drowsiness or dizziness. Although these side effects generally are not cause for concern, patients should call a doctor if these effects are particularly problematic or persistent.
Serious Side Effects
Serious physical side effects that require a doctor's immediate attention include infrequent urination, vision changes, feeling faint, twitching or uncontrollable movements, joint pain or swelling with fever, muscle aches, chest pain, vomiting, decreased heart rate, weak pulse, slow breathing, difficulty swallowing, pale skin with easy bruising or bleeding, sore throat or flu symptoms, jaundice, stomach pain, skin rash or seizures, according to Drugs.com. Serious mental side effects include restlessness, agitation, and unusual behavior and thoughts.
Allergic Reaction
Patients who experience trouble breathing, hives or swelling in the face, lips, throat or tongue may be having an allergic reaction to chlorpromazine. These individuals should stop taking chlorpromazine and seek immediate medical attention.
Considerations
Taking chlorpromazine with other medications may result in a drug interaction that may increase, decrease or alter the typical side effects of the medication. Medications that may negatively interact with chlorpromazine include atropine, lithium and phenytoin, as well as medications used to treat high blood pressure, asthma, incontinence, diabetes, motion sickness or nausea, ADHD, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, depression, anxiety, mental disorders, seizures and Parkinson’s disease. Birth control pills, estrogen replacement pills, blood thinners, antibiotics, numbing medications, anesthesia medications and medicines used to prevent organ transplant rejections may also alter the effects of chlorpromazine. Patients who take any of these medications should talk to a doctor before using chlorpromazine.
Misconceptions
A doctor cannot predict all the possible side effects of a medication. Some people experience side effects from chlorpromazine that other people taking the medication do not experience or report. Individuals taking chlorpromazine should always report any unusual or bothersome side effects to a doctor. These people may also want to consider reporting the reaction to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warning
Older adults with dementia who take antipsychotic medications such as chlorpromazine have an increased chance of death during treatment. The Food and Drug Administration does not approve of using chlorpromazine for treating these individuals.
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