PsychRounds: The Psychiatry Podcast The Antipsychotics: Chlorpromazine (Thorazine)
Aug 21, 2024
Discover the revolutionary history of chlorpromazine, the first antipsychotic that changed psychiatric treatment. Learn how it was pivotal in improving horrific conditions for patients in the past. Delve into its FDA approvals, primary use for schizophrenia, and the balancing act of its pharmacological effects and side effects, like weight gain and cardiovascular risks. Explore its lasting legacy in psychiatry and even its quirky FDA approval for hiccups. A fascinating dive into the evolution of antipsychotic medication!
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Chlorpromazine's Historical Impact
- Chlorpromazine was the first antipsychotic marketed in the US, revolutionizing psychiatric treatment.
- It marked the shift from inhumane treatments to effective pharmacotherapy for severe psychiatric conditions.
Broad FDA Approvals for Chlorpromazine
- Chlorpromazine treats schizophrenia, mania, and severe behavioral problems from infancy to adolescence.
- It also has FDA approval for less common uses like pre-surgery anxiety, porphyria, tetanus, and hiccups.
Pharmacology and Effects Explained
- Chlorpromazine blocks D2 receptors and has strong antagonism at H1 and alpha-1 receptors.
- These combined effects contribute to sedation and may reduce aggression and agitation.