Prochlorperazine

Summary sheet: 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

Prochlorperazine (Compazine, Stemzine, Buccastem M, Stemetil, Phenotil) is a dopaminergic 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 and is 10–20× more potent than chlorpromazine. It is also used to treat migraine headaches.^[1]

Chemistry

Prochlorperazine is a piperazine derivative of the phenothiazine class of organic compounds. Prochlorperazine contains a thiazine ring, a six-member ring which includes one nitrogen and one sulfur atom. The thiazine ring is fused to two benzene rings, creating a tricyclic phenothiazine. Prochlorperazine contains a chlorine atom bound to R₂ of the phenothiazine group.

Additionally, there is a three carbon propyl chain bound at R₁₀ to the nitrogen atom of the structure. The propyl chain is bound at its terminal carbon to a piperazine ring at R₁. Piperazine is a six-membered saturated ring with two nitrogen atoms at positions 1 and 4. The piperazine ring of prochlorperazine is also substituted at R₄ with a methyl group. Prochlorperazine is found in pills as a maleate. It is analogous to chlorpromazine, another antipsychotic phenothiazine.

Pharmacology

5mg oral tablet of Prochlorperazine

Prochlorperazine is thought to exert its antipsychotic effects by blocking dopamine receptors.^[2]

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

Disclaimer: The effects listed below cite the Subjective Effect Index (SEI), an open research literature based on anecdotal user reports and the personal analyses of PsychonautWiki contributors. As a result, they should be viewed with a healthy degree of skepticism.

It is also worth noting that these effects will not necessarily occur in a predictable or reliable manner, although higher doses are more liable to induce the full spectrum of effects. Likewise, adverse effects become increasingly likely with higher doses and may include addiction, severe injury, or death ☠.

Physical effects

- Sedation
- Appetite enhancement
- Dizziness
- Dehydration
- Motor control loss
- Nausea suppression
- Orgasm 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 several components which progressively intensify proportional to dosage. These are described below and generally include:
- Thought deceleration
- Emotion suppression
- Creativity suppression
- Dream potentiation
- Analysis suppression
- Language suppression
- Amnesia
- Anxiety suppression
- Focus suppression
- Motivation 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 (not to be confused with Parkinson's disease), or akathisia can affect 2% of patients at low doses, whereas higher doses may affect as many as 40% of patients.^[3]^[4]

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, or irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias).

Lethal dosage

The lethal dosage of this compound is unknown. Symptoms of overdose, however, may include agitation, coma, confusion, difficulty breathing, fainting, irregular heartbeat, loss of consciousness, muscle spasms, uncontrolled muscle movements, restlessness, seizures, severe constipation, stomach pain, severe drowsiness, dizziness, tremors, or trouble urinating.

It is strongly recommended that one use harm reduction practices when using this drug.

Tolerance and addiction potential

As with other antipsychotics, dependence can be present with long-term use and is both physical and psychological dependence. When physical dependence has developed, withdrawal symptoms may occur if a person suddenly stops their usage.

Legal status

An 8-pack of Buccastem M, the brand name for OTC prochlorperazine maleate in the UK.

Australia: The substance is Schedule 3, meaning it is available with the advice of a pharmacist without a prescription.^{[citation needed]}
United Kingdom: The drug is available over the counter as a pharmacy medicine and as a prescription medication. The OTC brand is Buccastem M, a buccal delivery system of prochlorperazine for motion sickness or nausea.^[5]
United States: Prochlorperazine is available only through prescription.^{[citation needed]}

External links

References

↑ Husseini, A; Gianakos, D (February 2006). "The 15-Minute Visit". Patient Care 40: 9–10.
↑ Ebadi, M. (31 October 2007). Desk Reference of Clinical Pharmacology. CRC Press. ISBN 9781420047448.
↑ Brown, T. M., Stoudemire, A. (1998). Psychiatric Side Effects of Prescription and Over-the-counter Medications: Recognition and Management. American Psychiatric Pub. ISBN 9780880488686.
↑ http://www.drugs.com/sfx/procot-side-effects.html
↑ Package leaflet: Information for the user. Buccastem® M Buccal Tablets (PROCHLORPERAZINE MALEATE 3 MG, EQUIVALENT TO 1.85 MG PROCHLORPERAZINE BASE) Alliance Pharmaceuticals, LTD. (2016) Buccastem M use guide, last revised in January 2016.

[1] Husseini, A; Gianakos, D (February 2006). "The 15-Minute Visit". Patient Care 40: 9–10.

[2] Ebadi, M. (31 October 2007). Desk Reference of Clinical Pharmacology. CRC Press. ISBN 9781420047448.

[3] Brown, T. M., Stoudemire, A. (1998). Psychiatric Side Effects of Prescription and Over-the-counter Medications: Recognition and Management. American Psychiatric Pub. ISBN 9780880488686.

[4] ttp://www.drugs.com/sfx/procot-side-effects.html

[5] Package leaflet: Information for the user. Buccastem® M Buccal Tablets (PROCHLORPERAZINE MALEATE 3 MG, EQUIVALENT TO 1.85 MG PROCHLORPERAZINE BASE) Alliance Pharmaceuticals, LTD. (2016) Buccastem M use guide, last revised in January 2016.

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