chlorpromazine hydrochloride

Developed in 1950, Chlorpromazine is an antipsychotic medication that is primarily used to treat psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Besides, it also treats severe behavioral problems in children including those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, nausea and vomiting, anxiety before surgery, and hiccups that do not improve following other measures. It is worth noting that Chlorpromazine exerts its antipsychotic effect by blocking postsynaptic dopamine receptors in cortical and limbic areas of the brain, thereby preventing the excess of dopamine in the brain. This leads to a reduction in psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions. When it comes to its side effects, Chlorpromazine can cause movement problems, sleepiness, dry mouth, low blood pressure upon standing, and increased weight. As for its serious side effects, they may include the potentially permanent movement disorder tardive dyskinesia, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, and low white blood cell levels. Plus, it is still unclear if Chlorpromazine is safe for use in pregnancy