Prochlorperazine (Compazine) Abuse

Prochlorperazine is a genetic medication available as  Compro and Procomp and possibly generic alternatives. This medication is often used to control  severe nausea and vomiting, as well as treating the symptoms of schizophrenia. Prochlorperazine is effective for the short-term treatment of generalized non-psychotic anxiety. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved prochlorperazine for treating behavior problems in older adults who have been diagnosed with dementia. Prochlorperazine can be effective, although it is not the first drug of choice to be used in therapy for the majority of patients with non-psychotic anxiety. Prochlorperazine presents certain risks that are non present in benzodiazepines – which tend to be used for such treatment. Prochlorperazine is a phenothiazine derivative available in tablet form.

Abuses of Prochlorperazine

Prochlorperazine has the ability to be abused and while it is not known to deliver the euphoria that is often delivered by more commonly abused drugs, it can still alter mood and perception, increasing its demand among recreational users. If Prochlorperazine is taken in too large a dose, it can be fatal. Those who take the medication outside of medical treatment put themselves at risk of accidental overdose. The drug can also damage specific organs when it is taken in large doses over a long period of time. A dependence and tolerance can develop, which can drive the individual to continue to seek more of the drug.

Effects of Prochlorperazine

Prochlorperazine presents certain risks for those taking the medication and it is important that the individual is monitored for adverse reactions. Minor side effects are possible and can include drowsiness, dizziness, menstrual changes, blurred vision, dry mouth, nasal congestion, headaches, nausea, constipation, ejaculation problems, difficulty passing urine, sensitivity to the sun and increased appetite. More serious side effects can include arrhythmia, hypotension, severe constipation, hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, jaundice, breast changes, such as breast enlargement or breast discharge, a painful erection of the penis that does not go away, worsening of psychotic symptoms and extrapyramidal symptoms.

Withdrawal of Prochlorperazine

When it is taken for long periods of time or in larger doses, Prochlorperazine can create a dependence or tolerance in an individual. When this happens, the body will experience specific withdrawal symptoms if the drug is stopped abruptly. Withdrawal symptoms associated with the cessation of Prochlorperazine include, but are not limited to:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Shakiness
• Schizophrenia symptoms, such as hallucinations or delusions
• Anxiety symptoms

Treatment of Prochlorperazine Addiction

While an addiction to Prochlorperazine is not easily assumed, it can be extremely toxic to certain people and carries its own risks. Such risks do not always deter an abuser seeking a specific high and abuse can happen. If an addiction develops, it is important for users at any level to remove the drug from their system slowly and within a treatment environment under the care of a board-certified addiction psychiatrist determine the right medications for comfortable detox. Entering a detox center for 24/7 treatment is highly recommended for the complete recovery of a Prochlorperazine addiction. A quality center will deliver a comfortable detox method that uses withdrawal medications that are proven to be highly effective for those suffering from an addiction to Prochlorperazine.