Prochlorperazine is a medicine often used to treat nausea, severe vomiting, and some types of dizziness. Doctors also use it as an antipsychotic in short-term settings. You'll find it as tablets, suppositories, and injections. This page gives clear, practical info so you know what to expect and when to ask for help.
Prochlorperazine blocks certain brain chemicals that make you feel sick or overly agitated. For nausea and vomiting it is fast and effective compared with simpler remedies. People with migraine-related nausea or after surgery may get a single dose to stop vomiting. In psychiatric care it can calm severe agitation, but only under close medical supervision. Your doctor chooses the form and dose based on the problem and your health.
Common side effects are drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, and constipation. Less common but serious effects include muscle stiffness, tremors, restlessness (akathisia), and involuntary movements (tardive dyskinesia). If you notice sudden muscle spasms, high fever, confusion, or stiff muscles, get urgent medical help - these can be signs of a rare but serious reaction.
Prochlorperazine can make you sleepy and slow your reactions. Don't drive or operate machinery until you know how it affects you. Avoid alcohol and other sedatives while taking it. Tell your provider if you have Parkinson's disease, low blood pressure, liver problems, or a history of blood or heart issues - dose adjustments or a different medicine may be safer.
Avoid combining prochlorperazine with other medicines that prolong the QT interval (certain antidepressants, antipsychotics, and some antibiotics). Mixing with strong sedatives or opioids increases the risk of breathing problems. Always list current medications and supplements when you talk to your prescriber.
For nausea, short courses are common. If you take prochlorperazine regularly for mental health, your doctor will monitor movement symptoms and may order periodic checkups. Don't stop long-term treatment suddenly - ask how to taper safely to avoid withdrawal or relapse.
Pregnant or breastfeeding? Tell your clinician. Prochlorperazine may be used in pregnancy for severe nausea but only when benefits outweigh risks. Your doctor can offer safer options based on your situation.
Practical tips: take tablets with food to reduce stomach upset, follow dosing exactly, and keep a simple diary of side effects for your next appointment. If nausea returns despite treatment, note timing and triggers - this helps find the real cause.
If you're unsure whether prochlorperazine is right for you, ask questions: why this drug, how long, what to watch for, and when to seek emergency care. Clear answers make treatment safer and less stressful.
Storage and special populations: keep the medicine at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Children need weight-based dosing - do not give it to infants unless a doctor prescribes it. Older adults often need lower doses because they get drowsy and stiff more easily. Rarely, blood counts or liver tests change, so tell your clinician about unexplained bruising or fever. Ask your pharmacist about cheaper generic options.
In my latest blog post, I delve into the social stigma surrounding the use of Prochlorperazine, a medication often used to treat severe nausea and schizophrenia. Many people find themselves judged or misunderstood due to their need for this medication. I believe it's crucial to break down these barriers and fight the misinformation that fuels such stigmas. I discuss strategies we can all use to promote understanding and acceptance, and ways in which healthcare professionals can better support patients. This issue is not just about a single drug, but reflects a broader need for empathy and understanding in mental health care.
Details +