Thorazine is one of the older antipsychotics. Doctors prescribe it for schizophrenia, severe agitation, manic episodes, and sometimes for nausea or hiccups that won’t stop. It works mainly by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain, which helps reduce hallucinations, delusions, and severe restlessness.
If you or a loved one start Thorazine, expect it to calm intense symptoms. That can happen within days for agitation, but mood and thinking improvements may take weeks. Keep an open line with your prescriber so doses can be adjusted based on how you feel and side effects you notice.
Some side effects are predictable. Sedation, dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, and weight gain are common. You may feel lightheaded when standing up because Thorazine can lower blood pressure. Movement-related problems — tremors, stiffness, restlessness, or slow movements — can happen, especially at higher doses.
A few side effects need quick attention. Call your doctor right away for high fever, stiff muscles, very fast heartbeat, severe confusion, or sudden uncontrollable movements of the face and tongue. These could signal neuroleptic malignant syndrome or tardive dyskinesia, both serious conditions. Also report any unexplained bruising, yellowing of the skin, or dark urine; these could point to liver or blood issues.
Take Thorazine exactly as prescribed. If it makes you sleepy, a bedtime dose often helps. Don’t mix it with alcohol or heavy sedatives — the combination can dangerously suppress breathing and alertness. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how Thorazine affects you.
Keep routine checks: blood pressure (both sitting and standing), weight, and any movement symptoms. Your doctor may order blood tests or an ECG if you have heart problems or take other drugs that affect heart rhythm. Mention all medications you take — some antidepressants, antipsychotics, antihistamines, and certain antibiotics can interact with Thorazine.
Older adults with dementia-related psychosis have a higher risk of death when given antipsychotics. If you care for someone in that situation, discuss risks and non-drug options with their clinician.
If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy, talk to your prescriber. Don’t stop Thorazine suddenly; withdrawal can cause agitation or other problems. If a switch is needed, a doctor can plan a safe taper and suggest alternatives.
Want more? Read our guide on Zyprexa (olanzapine) for a comparison of newer antipsychotics and tips on managing side effects, or check patient stories about switching meds to learn how others handled changes. Always keep your prescriber informed and ask questions — small adjustments can make a big difference in comfort and safety.
Explore everything about Thorazine: how it works, its wild history, side effects, and how patients can use it as safely as possible. No-nonsense, useful info.