Prochlorperazine: What it is and how to use it safely

Prochlorperazine is a prescription medicine used mainly to stop severe nausea and vomiting and to treat schizophrenia and severe anxiety. It belongs to a class called phenothiazines. It calms the part of the brain that triggers vomiting and can reduce psychotic symptoms in some patients.

You can find it as tablets, suppositories, or injectable forms. Doctors pick the form based on how quickly they need it to work and your medical situation. For nausea, short courses are usual. For psychiatric uses, treatment may last longer under close supervision.

How to use prochlorperazine

Take the medication exactly as your doctor tells you. If you swallow tablets, do so with a glass of water. For injections or suppositories follow clinic instructions. Do not stop suddenly if you have been taking it for weeks; discuss tapering with your prescriber. Typical adult doses for nausea range from 5 to 10 mg every 6 to 8 hours, but your doctor will set the right dose for you.

Watch for common side effects like drowsiness, dry mouth, and constipation. Because it can make you sleepy, avoid driving or heavy machinery until you know how it affects you. Some people experience low blood pressure or blurred vision—stand up slowly and report these problems.

Side effects and warnings

Prochlorperazine can cause movement problems (extrapyramidal symptoms) such as restlessness, muscle stiffness, and tremors. These can appear early and should be reported right away. In rare cases, it can cause tardive dyskinesia, a persistent movement disorder after long use. Also report any high fever, stiff muscles, fast heartbeat, or very confused behavior—these could signal neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a medical emergency.

Tell your doctor about other medicines you take. Prochlorperazine can interact with blood pressure drugs, sedatives, certain antidepressants, and Parkinson’s medicines. Mixing with alcohol increases drowsiness and risk. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have liver or heart issues, be upfront—adjustments or alternatives may be needed.

Smart tips for safe use and buying: Keep an up-to-date medicine list and show it at every appointment. If you get prochlorperazine from an online pharmacy, choose a licensed, reputable site and never ignore the need for a valid prescription. Watch expiration dates and never share your medication with others.

If side effects feel severe, call your healthcare provider or seek emergency care. For ongoing nausea or psychiatric symptoms, regular follow-up helps adjust dose and find safer long-term options.

Ask your doctor about motion-sickness doses before travel and bring anti-nausea options like oral rehydration if vomiting persists. If you need long-term treatment, ask about movement-problem monitoring and possible alternative medicines with fewer risks. Keep emergency contacts handy and carry a list of reactions you had before. Share it with caregivers too.

Check our related posts on nausea treatments, mental health medication guides, and safe online pharmacy tips. We cover how to compare pharmacies, alternatives to common drugs, and clear, usable advice you can act on today.