Prochlorperazine: Uses, Side Effects, and What You Need to Know

When you’re hit with severe nausea or dizziness, prochlorperazine, a prescription medication used to treat nausea, vomiting, and vertigo, and sometimes prescribed for psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia. Also known as Compazine, it’s one of the older drugs still in use because it works fast and reliably for many people. It doesn’t just calm your stomach—it affects brain chemicals that trigger nausea and motion sickness, which is why doctors reach for it after chemotherapy, surgery, or even severe migraines.

But prochlorperazine isn’t just an antiemetic. It’s also classified as a typical antipsychotic, a class of drugs that block dopamine receptors to reduce hallucinations and delusions, which is why it’s sometimes used for short-term anxiety or psychosis. That dual role means it’s prescribed for very different reasons depending on the patient. For some, it’s a quick fix for morning sickness after chemo. For others, it’s part of managing a mental health condition. The dose changes, the purpose changes—but the risks stay similar. Drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, and low blood pressure are common. Less common but serious? Muscle stiffness, tremors, or a rare but dangerous reaction called tardive dyskinesia, where you can’t control facial movements.

It’s also not something you should mix with alcohol, sedatives, or even some antidepressants. That’s why you’ll often see it listed alongside other drugs like Kemadrin, an anticholinergic used for Parkinson’s symptoms—both affect the nervous system, and combining them can make side effects worse. If you’re on blood pressure meds, thyroid pills, or even caffeine-heavy supplements, you need to talk to your doctor. Prochlorperazine doesn’t play well with everything.

And here’s the thing: it’s not always the first choice anymore. Newer drugs like ondansetron or metoclopramide are often preferred for nausea because they have fewer movement-related side effects. But prochlorperazine still holds its ground—especially when you need something that works fast, cheap, and in multiple situations. That’s why it shows up in so many treatment plans, from ERs to home care.

What you’ll find below are real stories and practical guides from people who’ve used prochlorperazine—or dealt with its side effects. You’ll see how it compares to other anti-nausea drugs, what to do if you feel worse after taking it, and how to avoid dangerous interactions with coffee, tea, or even over-the-counter sleep aids. These aren’t theoretical tips. They’re from real users who learned the hard way. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been on it for months, this collection gives you the no-fluff facts you actually need.