Compazine Side Effects (Guide)

Side Effect

Percentage of Patients Impacted

Drowsiness (Sedation)

25-30%

Dizziness

10-20%

Xerostomia (Dry mouth)

10-20%

Constipation

10-15%

Blurred vision

5-15%

Nausea

5-10%

Psychomotor agitation

5-10%

Drooling

5-10%

Irregular menstrual periods

5-10%

Impotence

3-8%

Nasal Congestion

3-8%

Dysphagia (Difficulty swallowing)

3-5%

Headache

5-10%

Loss of appetite

5%

Fever

<5% (rare but serious)

Hives (Allergic reaction)

<5% (rare)

Uncontrolled muscle movements

<5% (rare, extrapyramidal symptoms)

Melena (Dark stools)

<5% (rare, can indicate bleeding)

Chest pain

<5% (rare, serious)

Dark urine

<5% (rare, can indicate liver issues)

Diarrhea

<5%

Jitteriness

<5%

Low blood pressure

<5%

Side Effect

Duration

Details of Impact

Restlessness (Akathisia)

Variable (hours to weeks)

Often resolves after dose adjustment or with the addition of an anti-parkinsonian agent. Can last days to weeks if untreated.

Muscle Spasms (Dystonia)

Acute (hours to days)

Typically occur within hours to days after starting treatment. Symptoms usually resolve with medication adjustments or treatment with anticholinergics.

Blurred Vision

Short-term (hours to days)

Usually occurs early in treatment. Typically resolves as the body adjusts to the medication or with dose reduction.

Dizziness

Short-term (hours to days)

Often resolves quickly after starting treatment. May persist with long-term use, especially at higher doses.

Xerostomia (Dry Mouth)

Short-term (hours to days)

Common during initial treatment phase; improves over time or with dose adjustments.

Constipation

Short-term (days to weeks)

May improve with time or dietary changes, but can persist in some cases.

Drowsiness

Short-term (hours to days)

Typically resolves as the body adjusts to the drug, though it can persist during the treatment period.

Irregular Menstrual Periods

Variable (weeks to months)

May last for weeks to months but tends to resolve once the body adapts to the medication or the medication is adjusted.

Psychomotor Agitation

Variable (days to weeks)

Often resolves within a few days to weeks, but may require dose adjustment or additional medications.

Little or No Urination

Variable (days to weeks)

Usually resolves as the body adapts, but can be managed with hydration and dose adjustments.

Nasal Congestion

Short-term (days)

Typically resolves shortly after starting the medication, often improving with time or antihistamine use.

Dysphagia (Difficulty Swallowing)

Short-term (hours to days)

Common during early treatment; usually resolves with dose reduction or treatment adjustment.

Impotence

Variable (weeks to months)

Can last as long as the medication is used, but may improve with dose adjustment or after discontinuation.

Nausea

Short-term (hours to days)

Usually occurs early in treatment and tends to resolve as the body adapts to the medication.

Drooling

Short-term (days to weeks)

Typically occurs early in treatment, especially in children or elderly, and resolves after dose adjustments or with medication changes.

Fever

Short-term (hours to days)

Rare, but typically resolves as the body adjusts or with discontinuation of the medication.

Headache

Short-term (hours to days)

Usually resolves within a few days of starting treatment. May persist if the dose is too high.

Hives

Short-term (hours to days)

Typically resolves with antihistamines or discontinuation of medication if allergic reaction occurs.

Loss of Appetite

Short-term (days to weeks)

Usually improves with time, but may persist if side effects are more severe.

Uncontrolled Muscle Movements

Variable (days to weeks)

Often resolves with dose reduction or addition of anticholinergic agents. Can persist if untreated.

Melena (Dark Stools)

Short-term (days)

If caused by gastrointestinal bleeding, it requires immediate medical attention and should resolve with treatment.

Chest Pain

Short-term (hours to days)

Typically resolves after dose adjustment or with medical intervention if caused by cardiac issues.

Dark Urine

Short-term (days to weeks)

Can be a sign of liver issues and should be monitored. Resolves itself with medical intervention if necessary.

Diarrhea

Short-term (hours to days)

Usually resolves within a few days, but may persist with long-term use or high doses.

Jitteriness

Short-term (hours to days)

Common at higher doses, typically resolves within days of adjusting the dose.

Low Blood Pressure

Short-term (hours to days)

Typically resolves within a few days of adjusting the medication or dose.