What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-Dementia
-Glaucoma
-Heart disease
-Irregular heartbeat or rhythm
-Kidney disease
-Liver disease
-Low blood cell levels (white cells, red cells, and platelets)
-Low blood pressure
-Lung or breathing disease, such as asthma or COPD
-Parkinson disease
-Seizures
-Trouble passing urine
-An unusual or allergic reaction to chlorpromazine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-Breastfeeding
What may interact with this medication?
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
-Cisapride
-Dronedarone
-Levoketoconazole
-Metoclopramide
-Pimozide
-Saquinavir
-Thioridazine
-Ziprasidone
-Quinidine
This medication may also interact with the following:
-Alcohol
-Antihistamines for allergy, cough, and cold
-Atropine
-Benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam
-Certain medications for bladder problems, such as oxybutynin or tolterodine
-Certain medications for depression, such as amitriptyline or trazodone
-Certain medications for Parkinson disease, such as benztropine or trihexyphenidyl
-Certain medications for seizures, such as phenobarbital or primidone
-Certain medications for stomach problems, such as dicyclomine or hyoscyamine
-Certain medications for travel sickness, such as scopolamine
-Ipratropium
-Medications that cause drowsiness before a procedure, such as propofol
-Medications that help you fall asleep
-Medications that relax muscles
-Opioids for pain or cough
-Other medications that cause heart rhythm changes
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication. Tell your care team if symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.
This medication can cause problems with controlling your body temperature. It can lower the response of your body to cold temperatures. If possible, stay indoors during cold weather. If you must go outdoors, wear warm clothes. It can also lower the response of your body to heat. Do not overheat. Do not over-exercise. Stay out of the sun when possible. If you must be in the sun, wear cool clothing. Drink plenty of water. If you have trouble controlling your body temperature, call your care team right away.
This medication may increase blood sugar. Ask your care team if changes in diet or medications are needed if you have diabetes.
This medication can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps, tanning beds, or tanning booths.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your care team if the problem does not go away or is severe.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your care team that you are taking this medication.
What are the most serious risks of this medication?
This medication should not be used to treat mood and behavior changes caused by dementia. It may increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia.