Largactil

Uses
Largactil (Chlorpromazine Hydrochloride) belongs to a group of medicines known as phenothiazine antipsychotics, and it is widely used to treat psychotic conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety. It has also been used for migraine, to treat hiccups which persist and to prevent vomiting caused by surgery. It is a widely held belief that schizophrenia is related to dopamine overactivity in the brain. By blocking dopamine receptors, this medicine helps to control schizophrenia.

When used to stop vomiting, this medicine can affect the vomiting centre (the part of the brain responsible for controlling vomiting), which in turn can prevent nausea and vomiting. Other conditions for which this drug have been used for include insomnia, tetanus and severe pruritus (itching).

Dosage and Administration
You must follow the dosage instructions that your doctor gives you when taking Largactil (Chlorpromazine Hydrochloride) tablets. Patients treating psychosis may be told to start out with a dose of 10mg to 25mg, taken 3 times per day. The doctor may then increase the dosage. When used to prevent or treat nausea and vomiting, patients are sometimes instructed to take 10mg to 25mg at 4 to 6 hour intervals. Other conditions may require different dosage regimens and patients must only take the amount of tablets that their doctor tells them to take.

Side effects
Side effects of Largactil (Chlorpromazine Hydrochloride) include:

• Breast discharge
• Blocked nose
• Sexual function problems
• An increase in body weight
• Inflammation of the breasts

See your doctor immediately if you experience twitching, uncontrollable facial movements, tremors, seizures, stiff muscles or any other serious symptoms.

Precautions
If you are about to undergo a myelogram, it is necessary to tell the radiographer and doctor that you are currently being treated with this medicine. It may be necessary to stop taking it 2 days before the procedure, and 1 day after it.

This medicine can make the skin more sensitive to the sun, which may increase the risk of sunburn.

Seek immediate emergency medical attention if you suffer an allergic reaction. Symptoms to watch for, which may be indicative of a reaction, include skin rashes, hives, swelling of the face or limbs, trouble breathing, and trouble swallowing.

Always use Largactil (Chlorpromazine Hydrochloride) as you have been prescribed by your doctor. Never self-medicate or change your dosage without first consulting your doctor. The correct dosage can vary depending on your health, medical history, and the severity of the condition being treated.

This medication may not be safe for all patients. Before you begin using it always disclose the following to your doctor:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• If you suffer from any allergies.
• If you suffer from any other health conditions or illnesses.
• If you are using any other medicine (including all non-prescription).
• If you are using any supplements, vitamins, or herbal products of any kind.