What is chlorpromazine? Chlorpromazine is a phenothiazine (FEEN-oh-THYE-a-zeen) that is used to treat psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia or manic-depression in adults. Chlorpromazine is also used in adults to treat nausea and vomiting, anxiety before surgery, chronic hiccups, acute intermittent porphyria, and symptoms of tetanus. In children ages 1 through 12 years, chlorpromazine is used to treat severe behavioral problems (such as combative or explosive behavior) or hyperactivity with excessive motor activity. Chlorpromazine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. Warnings Call your doctor at once if you have uncontrollable movements of your eyes, lips, tongue, face, arms, or legs. These could be early signs of dangerous side effects. Chlorpromazine is not approved for use in older adults with dementia-related psychosis. Before taking this medicine You should not use chlorpromazine if you are allergic to chlorpromazine or other phenothiazines (such as fluphenazine, perphenazine, prochlorperazine, promethazine, thioridazine, or trifluoperazine). Do not use chlorpromazine if you have recently used large amounts of alcohol or medicine that makes you sleepy. Chlorpromazine may increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis and is not approved for this use. Tell your doctor if you have ever had: severe asthma, emphysema, or other breathing problem; a sulfite allergy; bone marrow suppression; heart disease; liver or kidney disease; breast cancer; glaucoma; Parkinson's disease; seizures; a blockage in your intestines; a brain tumor; or pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland). Tell your doctor if you will be exposed to extreme heat, or to insecticide poisons while you are using chlorpromazine. Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice. Talk with your doctor before giving chlorpromazine to a child who has been ill with a fever or flu symptoms. Using antipsychotic medicine in the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause medical problems, breathing problems, feeding problems, or withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. However, you may have withdrawal symptoms or other problems if you stop using your medicine during pregnancy. If you get pregnant, tell your doctor right away. Do not stop using chlorpromazine without your doctor's advice. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine. How should I use chlorpromazine? Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Chlorpromazine oral is taken by mouth. Chlorpromazine injection is injected into a muscle, or given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be asked to lie down for a short time after you receive a chlorpromazine injection. This medicine can lower your blood pressure and you may feel light-headed after an injection. Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis. Your vision may also need to be checked. This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using chlorpromazine. If you need to have a spinal tap (lumbar puncture) or any type of x-ray scan or MRI of your spinal cord, tell the doctor ahead of time that you are using chlorpromazine. Do not stop using chlorpromazine suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using this medicine. Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.   What happens if I miss a dose? Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time. What happens if I overdose? Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Overdose symptoms may include dry mouth, bloating or stomach cramps, feeling restless, fever, muscle stiffness, jerky muscle movements, changes in heart rate, fainting, or seizure (convulsions). What should I avoid while using chlorpromazine? Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how chlorpromazine will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects. Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Chlorpromazine can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors. Chlorpromazine side effects Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Long-term use of chlorpromazine can cause a serious movement disorder that may not be reversible. The longer you use chlorpromazine, the more likely you are to develop this disorder, especially if you are a an older adult. Call your doctor at once if you have: uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement); stiffness in your neck, tightness in your throat, trouble breathing or swallowing; a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; confusion, agitation, feeling jittery, trouble sleeping; weakness; breast swelling or discharge; a seizure; jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); low white blood cell counts--fever, chills, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, trouble breathing, feeling light-headed; or severe nervous system reaction--very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out. Some side effects may be more likely in older adults. Common side effects may include: drowsiness; dry mouth or stuffy nose; blurred vision; constipation; or impotence, trouble having an orgasm. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.   What other drugs will affect chlorpromazine? Using chlorpromazine with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures. Other drugs may affect chlorpromazine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

What is loxapine? Loxapine is an antipsychotic medication that is used to treat schizophrenia. Loxapine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. Warnings You should not use loxapine if you have decreased alertness caused by taking certain medications or drinking alcohol. Loxapine is not approved for use in older adults with dementia-related psychosis. Before taking this medicine You should not use loxapine if you are allergic to loxapine or amoxapine, or if you have decreased alertness caused by taking certain medications or drinking alcohol. Loxapine may increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis and is not approved for this use. Tell your doctor if you have ever had: epilepsy or other seizure disorder; low white blood cell (WBC) counts; glaucoma; urination problems; blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines); Parkinson's disease; heart disease; or breast cancer. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or you get pregnant. Using antipsychotic medication during the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause breathing problems, feeding problems, or withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. You should not breastfeed while using loxapine. How should I take loxapine? Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed. You may not start feeling better right away when you start taking loxapine. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using loxapine. Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. What happens if I miss a dose? Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time. What happens if I overdose? Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Overdose symptoms may include weak or shallow breathing, fainting, or seizure (convulsions). What should I avoid while taking loxapine? Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how loxapine will affect you. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Dizziness or severe drowsiness can cause falls, fractures, or other injuries. Avoid drinking alcohol. Dangerous side effects could occur. Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Loxapine can decrease perspiration and you may be more prone to heat stroke. Loxapine side effects Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. High doses or long-term use of loxapine can cause a serious movement disorder that may not be reversible. The longer you use loxapine, the more likely you are to develop this disorder, especially if you are a woman or an older adult. Call your doctor at once if you have: uncontrolled muscle movements in your arms or legs, or your face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement); fast heart rate; a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; confusion, slurred speech; agitation, trouble sleeping; seizure (convulsions); little or no urinating; severe constipation; low white blood cell counts--fever, chills, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, trouble breathing, feeling light-headed; or severe nervous system reaction--very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out. Common side effects may include: dizziness, problems with balance or walking; swelling in your face; itching or rash; tremors, muscle twitching or stiffness; numbness, weakness; blurred vision; feeling restless or agitated; nausea, vomiting, constipation; dry mouth, stuffy nose; or insomnia. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.   Loxapine dosing information Usual Adult Dose for Schizophrenia: Initial Dose: 10 mg orally twice a day -Initial doses of up to 50 mg a day may be needed in severely disturbed patients Titrate rapidly over the first 7 to 10 days until symptoms are effectively controlled Maintenance Dose: 60 mg to 100 mg daily in divided doses, 2 to 4 times a day Maximum dose: 250 mg/day Comments: -Daily dosage should be adjusted to the individual patient's needs based on severity of symptoms and previous antipsychotic drug response. -Usual therapeutic and maintenance range is 60 to 100 mg daily; however, some patients may respond to lower, and others higher, doses. -For maintenance therapy, 20 to 60 mg has been satisfactory for a majority of patients. Use: For the treatment of schizophrenia Usual Adult Dose for Agitated State: 10 mg by oral inhalation once within a 24-hour period Comments: -To mitigate the risk of bronchospasm, all patients must undergo screening and examination prior to administration. -This drug must be administered by a healthcare professional only in an enrolled healthcare facility. Use: For the acute treatment of agitation associated with schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder   What other drugs will affect loxapine? Taking loxapine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous or life-threatening side effects. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures. Other drugs may affect loxapine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

What is perphenazine? Perphenazine is a phenothiazine (FEEN-oh-THYE-a-zeen) anti-psychotic medicine. Perphenazine is used to treat psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. It is also used to control severe nausea and vomiting. Perphenazine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. Warnings You should not use perphenazine if you have liver disease, brain damage, bone marrow depression, a blood cell disorder, or if you are also using large amounts of alcohol or medicines that make you sleepy. Perphenazine is not approved for use in older adults with dementia-related psychosis. Call your doctor at once if you have twitching or uncontrollable movements of your eyes, lips, tongue, face, arms, or legs. These could be early signs of dangerous side effects. Before taking this medicine You should not use perphenazine if you are allergic to any phenothiazine (such as perphenazine, chlorpromazine, prochlorperazine, promethazine, o thioridazine), or if you have: liver disease; brain damage; bone marrow depression; a blood cell disorder (such as low platelets or low red or white blood cell counts); or if you are also using large amounts of alcohol or medicines that make you sleepy. Perphenazine may increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis and is not approved for this use. Tell your doctor if you have ever had: severe or untreated depression; heart disease or high blood pressure; kidney disease; severe asthma, emphysema, or other breathing problem; seizures; Parkinson's disease; breast cancer; adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma); enlarged prostate or urination problems; low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia); glaucoma; or a serious side effect while using perphenazine or another phenothiazine. Tell your doctor if you will be exposed to extreme heat or cold, or to insecticide poisons while you are taking perphenazine. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or you become pregnant. Taking antipsychotic medicine in the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause breathing problems, feeding problems, or withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk. How should I take perphenazine? Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed. You will need frequent medical tests. If you need surgery, tell your surgeon you currently use this medicine. Do not stop using perphenazine suddenly, or you could have unpleasant symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or tremors. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using this medicine. Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. What happens if I miss a dose? Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time. What happens if I overdose? Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of perphenazine can be fatal. What should I avoid while taking perphenazine? Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how perphenazine will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of perphenazine. Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Perphenazine can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors. Perphenazine side effects Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. High doses or long-term use of perphenazine can cause a serious movement disorder that may not be reversible. The longer you use perphenazine, the more likely you are to develop this disorder, especially if you are a woman or an older adult. Call your doctor at once if you have: uncontrolled muscle movements in your arms or legs, or your face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement); worsening symptoms of schizophrenia; confusion, paranoia, feeling restless or excited; seizure (convulsions); a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes); little or no urinating; slow heart rate, weak pulse, weak or shallow breathing; low white blood cell counts--fever, chills, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, trouble breathing, feeling light-headed; or severe nervous system reaction--very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, fast or uneven heartbeats. Side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, tremors, and drowsiness may be more likely in older adults. Common side effects may include: mild dizziness or drowsiness; blurred vision, headache; sleep problems (insomnia), strange dreams; loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation; increased sweating or urination; dry mouth or stuffy nose; breast swelling or discharge; or mild itching or skin rash. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.   Perphenazine dosing information Usual Adult Dose for Psychosis: Moderately disturbed, nonhospitalized patients: -Recommended dose: 4 to 8 mg orally 3 times a day, with a dose reduction to the minimum effective dose as soon as possible -Maximum dose: 24 mg/day Hospitalized patients: -Recommended dose: 8 to 16 mg orally 2 to 4 times a day -Maximum dose: 64 mg/day Comment: -Nonhospitalized patients should be limited to a daily dose of 24 mg; maximum doses of 64 mg should be used in hospitalized patients. Use: Treatment of schizophrenia Usual Adult Dose for Nausea/Vomiting: Recommended dose: 8 to 16 mg orally, in divided doses Maximum dose: 24 mg/day, in divided doses Comment: -The dose should be reduced as early as possible. Use: Severe nausea and vomiting Usual Pediatric Dose for Psychosis: 12 years and older: Moderately disturbed, nonhospitalized patients: -Recommended dose: 4 to 8 mg orally 3 times a day, with a dose reduction to the minimum effective dose as soon as possible -Maximum dose: 24 mg/day Hospitalized patients: -Recommended dose: 8 to 16 mg orally 2 to 4 times a day -Maximum dose: 64 mg/day Comments: -Nonhospitalized patients should be limited to a daily dose of 24 mg; maximum doses of 64 mg should be used in hospitalized patients. Use: Treatment of schizophrenia Usual Pediatric Dose for Nausea/Vomiting: 12 years and older: -Recommended dose: 8 to 16 mg orally, in divided doses -Maximum dose: 24 mg/day, in divided doses Comment: -The dose should be reduced as early as possible. Use: Severe nausea and vomiting   What other drugs will affect perphenazine? Taking perphenazine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous or life-threatening side effects. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures. Many drugs can affect perphenazine. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.