Compazine
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Description of Compazine
Compazine is the known brand name for the generic medication prochlorperazine. Often used for the control of severe nausea and vomiting and in the treatment of schizophrenia, Compazine is also effective for the short-term treatment of generalized non-psychotic anxiety.
Although it is effective, Compazine is often not the first drug of choice to be used in therapy for the majority of patients with non-psychotic anxiety as it posses certain risks that are not present in benzodiazepines – which are generally used for such treatment. A phenothiazine derivative, Compazine is available in tablet form.
Abuses of Compazine
Like any drug that can be diverted for recreational use, Compazine can be abused. While it is not known to deliver the euphoria that more commonly abused drugs can achieve, it can still alter mood and perception, making it an easy target when readily available.
When Compazine is taken in too large a dose, it can be fatal. As a result, those who take it outside of medical treatment are at risk of accidental overdose. In addition, the drug can damage specific organs when taken in large doses or over a period of time. It is possible for a dependence to develop and even a tolerance, driving the individual to continue to seek more of the drug.
Effects of Compazine
Compazine is know to have certain risks for those taking the medication and as a result, it is important that the patient is monitored closely for adverse reactions. Minor side effects that can occur include drowsiness, dizziness, menstrual changes, blurred vision, dry mouth, nasal congestion, headaches, nausea, constipation, ejaculation problems, difficulty passing urine, sensitivity to the sun and increased appetite.
More serious side effects are known to occur less frequently, but can pose specific risks if not monitored. These side effects include arrhythmia, hypotension, severe constipation, hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, jaundice, breast changes, such as breast enlargement or breast discharge, a painful erection of the penis that does not go away, worsening of psychotic symptoms and extrapyramidal symptoms.
Withdrawal of Compazine
It is possible for the body to develop a dependence on Compazine when it is taken for extended periods of time or in large doses over time. As a result, the body will experience specific withdrawal symptoms if the drug is stopped abruptly.
Withdrawal symptoms associated with the cessation of Compazine include, but are not limited to:
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Shakiness
• Schizophrenia symptoms, such as hallucinations or delusions
• Anxiety symptoms
Treatment of Compazine Addiction
It would be easy to assume that a Compazine addiction would be rare, given the reasons for use. At the same time, the medication can be extremely toxic to certain people and carries its own risks. Such risks do not appear to thwart an abuser seeking a specific high and abuse can happen. Even if the medication is taken for medical reasons, a dependence can develop. When this happens, it is important for users at any level to remove the drug from their system slowly and within a treatment environment.
Entering a detox center for 24/7 treatment is highly recommended for the complete recovery of a Compazine addiction. A quality center will offer a comfortable detox using withdrawal medications as highly effective for those suffering a Compazine addiction. A quality treatment center will do a full physical on a patient and have a board-certified addiction psychiatrist determine the right medications for comfortable detox.
