Prochlorperazine

Prochlorperazine
Chemical Nomenclature
Common names	Compazine, Stemzine, Buccastem, Stemetil, Phenotil
Systematic name	2-chloro-10-[3-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)propyl]- 10H-phenothiazine
Class Membership
Psychoactive class	Antipsychotic
Chemical class	Phenothiazine
Routes of Administration
WARNING: Always start with lower doses due to differences between individual body weight, tolerance, metabolism, and personal sensitivity. See responsible use section. ⇣ Oral Dosage Threshold 2 mg Light 2.5 - 5 mg Common 5 - 20 mg Strong 20 - 40 mg Duration Total 4 - 8 hours Onset 30 - 45 minutes DISCLAIMER: PW's dosage information is gathered from users and resources for educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation and should be verified with other sources for accuracy.
Interactions

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Prochlorperazine (Compazine, Stemzine, Buccastem, Stemetil, Phenotil) is a dopamine (D2) receptor antagonist that belongs to the phenothiazine class of antipsychotic agents that are used for the treatment of nausea and vertigo. It is also a highly potent typical antipsychotic, 10–20× more potent than chlorpromazine. It is also used to treat migraine headaches.

Pharmacology

5mg oral tablet of Prochlorperazine

Prochlorperazine is thought to exert its antipsychotic effects by blocking dopamine receptors.

Prochlorperazine is analogous to chlorpromazine, both of these agents antagonize dopaminergic D2 receptors in various pathways of the central nervous system. This D2 blockade results in antipsychotic, antiemetic and other effects.

Subjective effects

The effects listed below are based upon the subjective effects index and personal experiences of PsychonautWiki contributors. The listed effects will rarely if ever occur all at once but heavier dosages will increase the chances and are more likely to induce a full range of effects.

Physical effects

The physical effects of prochlorperazine can be broken down into 5 components all of which progressively intensify proportional to dosage. These are described below and generally include:

• Sedation
• Dizziness
• Dehydration
• Motor control loss
• Nausea suppression

Cognitive effects

The general head space of prochlorperazine is often described as one of sleepiness, emptiness, apathy, stupor and catatonia. The specific cognitive effects can be broken down into 6 components all of which progressively intensify proportional to dosage. These are described below and generally include:

• Thought deceleration
• Emotion suppression
• Information processing suppression
• Language suppression
• Amnesia
• Anxiety suppression

Toxicity and Harm Potential

Nervous system side effects have been associated with the use of prochlorperazine. Extrapyramidal side effects such as acute dystonic reactions, pseudoparkinsonism, or akathisia can affect 2% of patients at low doses, whereas higher doses may affect as many as 40% of patients.[9][10]

Prochlorperazine can also cause a life-threatening condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Some symptoms of NMS include: A high fever, stiff muscles, confusion, irregular pulse or blood pressure, a fast heart rate (tachycardia), sweating, irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias). VA and FDA research shows injection site reaction.

Legal Issues

• UK: Available over the counter and as prescription medication.
• USA: Available only through prescription.
• Australia: Available only through prescription.

See Also

• Antipsychotic
• Quetiapine
• Depressant