HeadMeds gives young people in the United Kingdom general information about medication. HeadMeds does not give you medical advice. Please talk to your Doctor or anyone else who is supporting you about your own situation because everyone is different. Please read more important details about our site.

Chlorpromazine

"klor-PRO-ma-zeen"
Medication type:

Chlorpromazine is an antipsychotic medicine, also called a first generation antipsychotic or a phenothiazine medicine

Other names:
  • Largactil "lar-GAK-til"
Taking antidepressants  anti psychotic and mood stabilisers original listing
Taking anti-depressants, anti-psychotic and mood stabilisers
It feels like being really tired all the time...but it makes me feel less emotional

What can it be used for?

  • Under 18
    The doctor can prescribe chlorpromazine as a licensed medicine for schizophrenia, autism, mania, severe anxiety, agitation and dangerous or violent impulsive behaviour for children and young people aged over 1 year old.

Ways to take and what's in it?

  • Tablets

    25mg, 50mg, and 100mg strengths

  • Liquids

    25mg/5ml – one 5ml spoonful is like a 25mg tablet

  • Injections

    The short acting injection contains 25mg in one injection or 50mg in one injection. It is usually used in hospital when needed in an emergency. It is injected deep into a muscle.

  • Liquids

    Oral syrup (25mg/5ml or 100mg/5ml – one 5ml spoonful is like a 25mg tablet or 100mg tablet)

If you have taken more chlorpromazine than it said on the label, you must see a doctor quickly - even if you do not feel any different.

Chlorpromazine can also cause other serious side-effects: allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, swelling of your face or throat, itching skin lumps), and other serious symptoms. Go to a hospital if you get any of these symptoms, with your medicine.

Stopping chlorpromazine suddenly can cause serious side-effects – go to your doctor if you want to stop, or if you are having these effects.

You might feel sleepy or less alert in the first few days after taking chlorpromazine - do not drive a car, ride a bike or operate machines until you see how this affects you.

If you take chlorpromazine while you are pregnant, we do not know if it can affect the developing baby. Use good contraception while you are taking chlorpromazine. It can also cause withdrawal symptoms in newborn babies if you take it at the end of pregnancy. Talk to your doctor or midwife about this and get their help.