People's experiences with Chlorpromazine (Thorazine) ?

Question

Just would like to know opinions of anyone who has been using this drug, as even taking 100-125mg at once doesn't affect me?

Before you jump to conclusions (Like my last question which was removed for the amount of abuse i got) i am not a junkie, i am on prescribed medications for severe anxiety and a personality disorder.

I have used Diazepam in the past, which worked, but i came off it as i know there's a risk of addiction with Valiums.

I would love to hear others experiences with this drug, and/or any others that you could recommend trying?

Thank you in advance.

Answer 1

Sweet reptillian Jesus. Thorazine? For an anxiety disorder? Even with a personality disorder that's... borderline insane. There's no reason to use a typical antipsychotic. The side effects are far more severe than even the worst of the atypicals. There's weight gain, yes, but there's also an enormously higher risk for tardive dyskinesia and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. The only reason to go to these drugs is that all the atypicals have failed. Thorazine is a nasty drug. It's anticholinergic, it can muck with your eyes and your skin. The only time I would consider it applicable is in a schizophrenic who hasn't responded to any other medication.

Are you sure you're not bipolar? Both lithium and valproate drugs are indicated for bipolar disorder, but not for anxiety or personality disorders - personality disorders generally don't respond to drugs. They don't have any useful effects for anxiety.

Ad if you've managed to get off diazepam without any problems, if you didn't abuse it, then you're not at risk for becoming addicted to it.

Answer 2

First, don't worry.  I have never abused anyone for taking rx drugs.  I have bipolar and have taken my share of drugs of all type in my life.  I was asking my doctor just last week, and she told me Valium is much more addictive then the other tranquilizers, except Xanax.  Anyway, wow, Thorazine.  I haven't heard of a doc prescribing that in years.  It is the oldest antipsychotic still on the market.  I've never taken it but I understand it is very sedating, makes your mouth very dry, and is constipating.  I have taken only 2 antipsychotics--Zyprexa, which made me gain 75 pounds and is *very* sedating.  A week ago I started Abilify--so far it is not bad.  No sedation or side effects, but it's only been a week. Anyway, I'm rambling.  Hope you feel better.

In response, to your update both lithium and valproate make a lot of people gain some weight. But Zyprexa (olanzapine) is famous for making patients gain weight.  So is Seroquel.

Answer 3

This is a very difficult question to answer. I must say this though - I'm amazed that 100-125mg of chlorpromazine is not having any effect on your anxiety, as it has rapid calming effects. As another answerer stated, it is true that this is an older drug, with potentially serious side-effects in the long run. I'm also intrigued by the fact that you haven't gained any weight from taking lithium carbonate and sodium valproate, as these two drugs are well renowned for causing weight gain. It could be a question of cost here - chlorpromazine is very cheap in comparison to the newer antipsychotic drugs. In my experience the best medication for severe anxiety is olanzapine. It is however, expensive, and causes significant weight-gain. I would suggest that you get a second opinion on the management of your mental health problems.

Answer 4

Hi,

I have been perscribed Chlorpromazine on a 'take when needed basis' due to having extreme depression/ anxiety/ BPD and self harming problems. Each tablet I have is only 25mgs and I have only taken two at a time before. I don't take it often but I find if i take one 25mg tablet it doesn't do much, it may take teh tiniest edge off my problems. 50mgs helps more however after an hour after taking it I am so drowsy that I have to go to sleep before I just collapse and I usually have avery high tolerance level of taking tablets that induce drowsiness. I couldn't imagine taking 100-125mgs however I know some people,like yourself do.

I think your best bet is to go to see your GP or make an appointment with your psychiatrist and explain chlorpromazine isn't working for you, even at high doses and your concerns about being on diazepam- perhaps they can put your mind at ease about it and at least it did work for you..but definately ask one of them whats best

best of luck

x

Answer 5

Sounds like a real fruit cake

Answer 6

my wife was taking  Chlorpromazine and dothiepin  Diazepam and dihydrocodeine for a combination of problems including back pain and depression but chlorpromazine causes more problems than it solves and it made her sleep almost twenty hours a day she now takes oramorph and MXL for her pain and also takes dihydrocodeine and diazepam her helth has improved but i still feel she takes too much medication as she lives life in a haze and is often confused and gets days where she does not sleep at all