Patient/Family Teaching

• Advise patient to take medication as directed and not to skip doses or double up on missed doses. If a dose is missed, take within 1 hr or omit dose and return to regular schedule. Abrupt withdrawal may lead to gastritis, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, tachycardia, and insomnia

• Inform patient of possibility of extrapyramidal symptoms and tardive dyskinesia. Instruct patient to report these symptoms immediately to health care professional

• Advise patient to change positions slowly to minimize orthostatic hypotension

• Medication may cause drowsiness. Caution patient to avoid driving or other activities requiring alertness until response to the medication is known

• Caution patient to avoid taking alcohol or other CNS depressants concurrently with this medication

• Advise patient to use sunscreen and protective clothing when exposed to the sun. Exposed surfaces may develop a temporary pigment change (ranging from yellow-brown to grayish purple). Extremes of temperature (exercise, hot weather, hot baths or showers) should also be avoided, because this drug impairs body temperature regulation

• Instruct patient to use frequent mouth rinses, good oral hygiene, and sugarless gum or candy to minimize dry mouth. Consult health care professional if dry mouth continues for >2 wk

• Advise patient not to take chlorpromazine within 2 hr of antacids or antidiarrheal medication

• Inform patient that this medication may turn urine a pink-to-reddish-brown color

• Advise patient to notify health care professional of medication regimen prior to treatment or surgery

• Instruct patient to notify health care professional promptly if sore throat, fever, unusual bleeding or bruising, rash, weakness, tremors, visual disturbances, dark-colored urine, or clay-colored stools occur

• Emphasize the importance of routine follow-up exams to monitor response to medication and detect side effects. Encourage continued participation in psychotherapy as indicated

• Treatment is not a cure since symptoms can recur after discontinuation of medication

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