ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.
Overview
It's quite sedating.
What it's used for
- Schizophrenia
- Severe nausea and vomiting
- Hiccups that won't stop
- Agitation
How to take it
- Take it as prescribed. Stand up slowly.
Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.
Side effects
Common side effects
- Sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Sun sensitivity
Call 911High fever, stiff muscles, confusion, and sweating (rare reaction called NMS)
Call your provider todayUncontrolled movements of the face, tongue, or body
Call 911Fainting or a fast, irregular heartbeat
Call your provider todayYellow skin or fever with sore throat
Warnings
- Boxed warning: higher risk of death in older adults with dementia.
Other medicines, foods, and alcohol
- Alcohol and sedating medicines add to drowsiness.
- It works against Parkinson's medicines.
Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Talk with your provider.
Missed doses, overdose, and storage
If you miss a dose
Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.
If someone takes too much
Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.
Storing it
Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.
Conditions it's used for
Sources
- DailyMed: FDA drug label for Chlorpromazine (U.S. National Library of Medicine)
- MedlinePlus: Drugs, herbs, and supplements
- FDA: Drugs@FDA
Last updated 2026-11-13.