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Brand: Thorazine
Published 2026-02-15 · Last reviewed 2026-02-22 · 4 references
Content sourced from FDA labeling (DailyMed) and peer-reviewed literature.
Chlorpromazine is a low-potency FGA (phenothiazine) used for schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. It is also labeled for several non-psychiatric indications such as nausea/vomiting and intractable hiccups (label-dependent).
Compared with high-potency FGAs, chlorpromazine is typically less “motor-heavy” (lower EPS burden at comparable antipsychotic effect) but more “body-heavy”: sedation, orthostatic hypotension, and anticholinergic side effects are common practical limitations (label/clinical).
Low-potency phenothiazines can still cause tardive dyskinesia and neuroleptic malignant syndrome, so the risk conversation is not simply about drowsiness; periodic movement-disorder screening remains part of routine use (label/clinical).
The chlorpromazine compare view, evidence feed, and print page support side-by-side trade-off discussions.
Chlorpromazine is an older, inexpensive antipsychotic with broad label indications. In contemporary practice it is often used selectively when sedation/antiemetic goals or prior response are important, but its orthostasis and anticholinergic burden can be function-limiting compared with many newer options (AHRQ/clinical).
View labelExactRefer to the Glossary entry on Neurotransmitters for background on receptor systems involved in serious mental illness.
Dopamine D2 receptor antagonism is the primary antipsychotic mechanism.
H1 antagonism contributes to sedation and weight/appetite effects.
Muscarinic antagonism contributes to anticholinergic effects (dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, delirium risk).
α1 antagonism contributes to orthostatic hypotension and dizziness.