Chlorpromazine
From Drug Rehab Wiki
Chlorpromazine is the generic name for a medication that can be found under such names as Thorazine, Ormazine and Thorazine Sansule. This anti-psychotic medication is part of a group of drugs known as phenothiazines. Chlorpromazine works by changing the actions of chemicals in the brain and is often used to treat psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia or manic-depression, also known as bipolar disorder.
In addition to treating such disorders, Chlorpromazine may also be used to treat severe behavior problems in children and for the control of severe nausea and vomiting, as well as for the short-term treatment of generalized non-psychotic anxiety, chronic hiccups, acute intermittent porphyria and symptoms of tetanus.
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Abuses of Chlorpromazine
Phenothiazines, like Chlorpromazine, do not generally produce psychic dependence. There have been reports, however, of gastritis, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, and tremulousness following abrupt cessation of high dose therapy.
Those who are known to abuse prescription medications may also abuse Chlorpromazine for a number of reasons. If the medication is abused and any of the above becomes a problem for the user, reverting back to the medication can occur, creating a cycle of misuse by the individual.
Effects of Chlorpromazine
Chlorpromazine presents certain risks for those taking the medication and it is important that the individual is monitored for adverse reactions. Minor side effects are possible and can include drowsiness, dizziness, anxiety, sleep problems, breast swelling or discharge, menstrual changes, blurred vision, weight gain, dry mouth, nasal congestion, headaches, nausea, constipation, ejaculation problems and swelling of the hands or feet.
More serious side effects can include twitching or uncontrollable movements, tremor, drooling, trouble swallowing, problems with balance or walking, feeling restless or jittery, feeling ready to pass out, seizure, nausea or stomach pain, skin rash, jaundice, pale skin, stiff muscles, easy bruising, fever, sore throat, flu symptoms, confusion, sweating, unusual thoughts or behaviors, slow heart rates and slow breathing.
Withdrawal of Chlorpromazine
As addiction, tolerance or psychic dependence are not known to occur with Chlorpromazine, the long-term use of the medication can create a situation where withdrawal symptoms can occur due to a physical dependence that can develop.
Withdrawal symptoms associated with the cessation of Chlorpromazine include, but are not limited to:
* Nausea * Vomiting * Gastritis * Tremulousness * Diarrhea * Dizziness * Shakiness
Treatment of Chlorpromazine Addiction
While an addiction to Chlorpromazine is not easily assumed; it can be extremely toxic to certain people and carries its own risks. In the case of long-term use, it is important for users at any level to remove the drug from their system slowly and within a treatment environment under the care of a board-certified addiction psychiatrist determine the right medications for comfortable detox.
Entering a detox center for 24/7 treatment is highly recommended for the complete recovery of a Chlorpromazine addiction. A quality center will deliver a comfortable detox method that uses withdrawal medications that are proven to be highly effective. Reports have also suggested that these symptoms can be reduced if concomitant antiparkinsonian agents are continued for several weeks after Chlorpromazine is withdrawn.
