chlorpromazine
Brand names: Thorazine
Chlorpromazine is a medicine that belongs to a class of drugs called phenothiazine antipsychotics. It can help manage symptoms of certain mental disorders by affecting chemical messengers in the brain.
Drug Pricing (NADAC)
Generic Price
$0.35/unit
Generic Available
Yes (26 manufacturers)
Pricing data from NADAC (CMS), effective December 18, 2024. Compare all drug costs →
What it does
Chlorpromazine can treat psychotic disorders like schizophrenia.
Common side effects
Drowsiness
Key warnings
Antipsychotic medicines like chlorpromazine can increase the risk of death in elderly patients who have dementia-related psychosis.
How It Works
Chlorpromazine works by changing the effect of certain natural chemicals in the brain. It blocks dopamine receptors, which helps to reduce psychotic symptoms. It also affects other neurotransmitters, such as histamine and acetylcholine.
How to Take It
Take this medicine exactly as your doctor tells you. Your doctor will adjust your dose based on how you respond to the medication. It is important to keep taking this medicine, even if you feel well, unless your doctor tells you to stop. The 100 mg and 200 mg tablets are for use in severe neuropsychiatric conditions.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if chlorpromazine will harm your unborn baby. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.
Storage
Store at room temperature (68° to 77°F) and protect from light and moisture.
Side Effects (from patient reports)
Based on 3,372 FDA adverse event reports.
FDA Adverse Event Report Analysis
Detailed analysis of 6,862 reports from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Reports span 2001–2025.
Total Reports
6,862
Death-Related Reports
1,285
Hospitalization Reports
3,175
Top Indication
Product Used For Unknown Indication
Gender Distribution
Age Distribution
Most Reported Adverse Reactions (FAERS)
| # | Reaction | Reports |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | DRUG INEFFECTIVE | 527 |
| 2 | OFF LABEL USE | 432 |
| 3 | TOXICITY TO VARIOUS AGENTS | 425 |
| 4 | OVERDOSE | 345 |
| 5 | DRUG INTERACTION | 321 |
| 6 | NEUROLEPTIC MALIGNANT SYNDROME | 280 |
| 7 | NAUSEA | 272 |
| 8 | NEUTROPENIA | 263 |
| 9 | FATIGUE | 253 |
| 10 | DIARRHOEA | 252 |
| 11 | VOMITING | 239 |
| 12 | PSYCHOTIC DISORDER | 231 |
| 13 | SOMNOLENCE | 228 |
| 14 | SUICIDE ATTEMPT | 214 |
| 15 | HYPOTENSION | 200 |
Reactions in Death Reports
Reactions in Hospitalization Reports
Source: FDA FAERS (Adverse Event Reporting System) FDA FAERS (Adverse Event Reporting System) Reports are voluntary and do not establish causation
Serious Warnings
Antipsychotic medicines like chlorpromazine can increase the risk of death in elderly patients who have dementia-related psychosis. Chlorpromazine is not approved for treating this condition.
Known Drug Interactions
tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, chlorpromazine, opiate analgesics, NSAIDs, lamotrigine and carbamazepine) should be performed with caution.
Mechanism: Chlorpromazine can make desmopressin more powerful, making it harder for your body to release water. This increases the risk of developing low sodium levels in your bloodstream.
What to do: Your doctor should monitor you closely if you take these drugs together. Watch for signs of low sodium like headaches, confusion, or nausea.
7.5 Drugs That Cause QTc Prolongation Tetrabenazine causes a small prolongation of QTc (about 8 msec), concomitant use with other drugs that are known to cause QTc prolongation should be avoided, these including antipsychotic medications (e.g., chlorpromazine, haloperidol, thioridazine, ziprasidone), antibiotics (e.g., moxifloxacin), Class 1A (e.g., quinidine, procainamide) and Class III (e.g., amiodarone, sotalol) antiarrhythmic medications or any other medications known to prolong the QTc interval. 7.6 Neuroleptic Drugs The risk for Parkinsonism, NMS, and akathisia may be increased by con...
Mechanism: These drugs can work together to slow the heart's electrical timing and cause movement-related side effects.
What to do: Avoid using these medications together to lower the risk of heart rhythm changes and muscle stiffness.
Product Clinical Comment on Concomitant Use [See Contraindications (4.1)] ; Predominant Effect/Risk [Hypertensive Reaction (HR) [See Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] ; or Serotonin Syndrome (SS) [See Warnings and Precautions (5.7)] ] Altretamine Use with caution If not otherwise specified in this table, consider avoiding concomitant use (see also information on medication-free intervals , use agent at the lowest appropriate dose, monitor for effects of the interaction, advise the patient to report potential effects, and be prepared to discontinue the agent and treat effects of the interactio...
Mechanism: These drugs can interact to cause dangerously high blood pressure or a life-threatening reaction involving too much serotonin in the brain. They both impact the way your body regulates mood and blood vessel health.
What to do: Consider avoiding this combination if possible. If you must take both, your doctor should monitor your blood pressure and mental state very carefully for any signs of a reaction.
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS CNS depressants, including alcohol: Possible adverse additive CNS- depressant effects ( 5.1 , 7.1 ) Opioids: Concomitant use may increase risk of respiratory depression ( 5.7 , 7.1 ) Imipramine: Decreased alertness observed ( 7.1 ) Chlorpromazine: Impaired alertness and psychomotor performance observed ( 7.1 ) CYP3A4 inducers (rifampin or St. Limit dosage and duration of concomitant use of Zolpidem Tartrate Tablets and opioids [ see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Imipramine, Chlorpromazine Imipramine in combination with Zolpidem prod...
Mechanism: These medicines both cause drowsiness and slow down your physical reactions, which can impair your coordination and alertness.
What to do: Use caution when moving around or driving, as this combination can significantly affect your ability to stay awake and react quickly.
Drug Interactions There has been a report of a patient who passed an orange rubbery precipitate in his stool the day after ingesting carbamazepine suspension immediately followed by Thorazine solution. Subsequent testing has shown that mixing carbamazepine suspension and chlorpromazine solution (both generic and brand name) as well as carbamazepine suspension and liquid Mellaril, resulted in the occurrence of this precipitate.
Mechanism: Mixing these two liquid medicines together creates a solid, rubbery substance that the body cannot use.
What to do: Do not take these liquid medications at the same time; talk to your doctor about how to space them out.
Common Questions
Can I drink alcohol while taking chlorpromazine?
How long does it take for chlorpromazine to start working?
What should I do if I experience side effects?
Can I stop taking chlorpromazine suddenly?
Will this medicine make me gain weight?
Can I drive while taking this medicine?
Are there any foods I should avoid?
What if I have trouble swallowing the tablet?
Can I take other medications with chlorpromazine?
What should I do if I think I have taken too much?
What are the common side effects of chlorpromazine?
Does chlorpromazine interact with other medications?
What drug class is chlorpromazine?
Is chlorpromazine safe during pregnancy?
Has chlorpromazine been recalled?
Active Recalls
CGMP Deviations: Presence of N-Nitroso Desmethyl Chlorpromazine above the recommended intake limit
The Harvard Drug Group LLC dba Major Pharmaceuticals and Rugby Laboratories
CGMP Deviations: Presence of N-Nitroso Desmethyl Chlorpromazine above the recommended intake limit
The Harvard Drug Group LLC dba Major Pharmaceuticals and Rugby Laboratories
CGMP Deviations: Presence of N-Nitroso Desmethyl Chlorpromazine above the recommended intake limit
The Harvard Drug Group LLC dba Major Pharmaceuticals and Rugby Laboratories
CGMP Deviations: presence of N-Nitroso Desmethyl Chlorpromazine above the recommended acceptable intake limit
Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc
CGMP Deviations: presence of N-Nitroso Desmethyl Chlorpromazine above the recommended acceptable intake limit
Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc
CGMP Deviations: presence of N-Nitroso Desmethyl Chlorpromazine above the recommended acceptable intake limit
Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc
CGMP Deviations: presence of N-Nitroso Desmethyl Chlorpromazine above the recommended acceptable intake limit
Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc
CGMP Deviations: presence of N-Nitroso Desmethyl Chlorpromazine above the recommended acceptable intake limit
Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc
CGMP Deviations: presence of N-Nitroso Desmethyl Chlorpromazine above the recommended acceptable intake limit
Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc
CGMP Deviations: presence of N-Nitroso Desmethyl Chlorpromazine above the recommended acceptable intake limit
Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc
Presence of a foreign substance.A specific lot of auxiliary polyester coil, used in product packaging at the manufacturing site, was detected with presence of a micro-organism. No micro-organism was detected on any tablets.
Amerisource Health Services LLC
Presence of a foreign substance.A specific lot of auxiliary polyester coil, used in product packaging at the manufacturing site, was detected with presence of a micro-organism. No micro-organism was detected on any tablets.
Amerisource Health Services LLC
Presence of a foreign substance.A specific lot of auxiliary polyester coil, used in product packaging was detected with presence of a micro-organism. No micro-organism was detected on any tablets.
Amneal Pharmaceuticals, LLC
Presence of a foreign substance.A specific lot of auxiliary polyester coil, used in product packaging was detected with presence of a micro-organism. No micro-organism was detected on any tablets.
Amneal Pharmaceuticals, LLC
Presence of a foreign substance.A specific lot of auxiliary polyester coil, used in product packaging was detected with presence of a micro-organism. No micro-organism was detected on any tablets.
Amneal Pharmaceuticals, LLC
CGMP deviations: presence of N-Nitroso-Desmethyl Chlorpromazine impurity above the recommended interim limit
Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc
CGMP Deviations: N-Nitroso-Desmethyl Chlorpromazine impurity (NNDCI) were found to be failing per current FDA recommended limit.
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc., USA
Related Medications in Typical Antipsychotic (Phenothiazine)
Other drugs grouped near chlorpromazine — same-class peers and common alternatives.
acamprosate
Campral
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alprazolam
Xanax
Alprazolam (Xanax) is a medication that can help you with anxiety and panic disorders.
Compare with chlorpromazine →
amitriptyline
Elavil
Amitriptyline is a medicine used to treat depression.
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amphetamine/dextroamphetamine
Adderall, Adderall XR
Adderall XR is a stimulant medicine.
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aripiprazole
Abilify
Aripiprazole (Abilify) is a medicine used to treat certain mental disorders and mood problems.
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Medication Guides
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FDA requirements, cost savings, and when the difference matters
Narrow Therapeutic Index Drugs
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Common Drug Interactions
Dangerous medication combinations and how to protect yourself
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What the FDA Data Shows for chlorpromazine
The FDA label for chlorpromazine (sold under brand names such as Thorazine) classifies it as a prescription-only medication in the Typical Antipsychotic (Phenothiazine) class. Chlorpromazine can treat psychotic disorders like schizophrenia. Official labeling lists 1 commonly reported side effect, including Drowsiness.
Post-market surveillance from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) captures real-world experience. For this drug, FAERS contains 3,372 voluntary reports. The database also lists 11 documented drug interactions derived from FDA labeling, with the top-flagged interaction rated moderate severity. NADAC pricing from CMS shows a generic unit cost of $0.35.
Report counts do not establish causation — a FAERS entry documents a temporal association, not proof that the drug produced the outcome. Widely prescribed medications naturally accumulate more reports than niche therapies, so raw totals must be interpreted alongside total exposure. Shortage status, recall history (currently 17 recall records on file), and patent information further shape supply and switching decisions. This page summarizes public FDA data for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice — always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
Data Sources
Drug labeling: FDA Drug Labels (SPL/DailyMed). Adverse events: FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Pricing: CMS National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC).
FAERS reports are voluntary and do not establish causation. Drug interactions are derived from FDA labeling and clinical references. Always consult a healthcare professional before making medication decisions.
Last updated: July 28, 2025
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
All federal data sources used on this page
- FDA Orange Book — approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence. accessdata.fda.gov/cder/ob
- FDA DailyMed — NIH-hosted drug labeling for FDA-approved meds. dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
- FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) — post-marketing safety surveillance. fda.gov/drugs/faers
- NLM RxNorm — standardized clinical drug nomenclature. nlm.nih.gov/research/umls/rxnorm
- CMS Medicare Part B Drug Average Sales Price Files — federal drug pricing data. cms.gov/medicare/part-b-drugs/asp
- FDA Drug Shortages Database — current and resolved drug shortage tracking. accessdata.fda.gov/drugshortages