Major Research Findings

Chlorpromazine (CPZ) is a widely used antipsychotic drug, and several studies have shown that it can cause various side effects. 9 , 3 , 8 , 15 , 14 , 13 , 11 , 6 , 1 , 5 , 2 , 4 , 17 , 7 , 18 , 16 , 10 , 12 These studies suggest that CPZ can affect the liver 9 , red blood cells 8 , brain 10 , nerve cells 4 , and even aquatic organisms 3 , 17 . In particular, CPZ may cause oxidative stress 9 , 8 , 10 and inhibit the antioxidant defense system 9 . Furthermore, CPZ may destabilize cell membranes 8 , disrupt neurotransmitter balance 3 , impair motor function 15 , and even negatively affect reproduction 13 .

Benefits and Risks

Benefit Summary

CPZ is an effective drug for treating mental disorders. Some studies have shown that CPZ is effective in improving positive and negative symptoms 16 compared to other antipsychotics. CPZ may also enhance the therapeutic effect of antifungal drugs 12 against cryptococcosis. Additionally, some studies suggest that CPZ may be beneficial in treating endometrial carcinoma 5 .

Risk Summary

CPZ is a drug that can cause many side effects. CPZ can affect organs and cells such as the liver, red blood cells, and brain, causing various problems including oxidative stress 9 , 8 , 10 , inhibition of the antioxidant defense system 9 , impaired motor function 15 , and adverse effects on reproduction 13 . CPZ may also lead to psychological dependence 7 and withdrawal symptoms may occur when discontinuing the drug.

Comparison Across Studies

Commonalities

Many studies have shown that CPZ can affect various organs and cells. Notably, CPZ is commonly found to cause oxidative stress 9 , 8 , 10 and inhibit the antioxidant defense system 9 . Many studies have also reported that CPZ may cause side effects such as impaired motor function 15 and adverse effects on reproduction 13 .

Differences

Studies have shown variations in the severity of CPZ side effects and the organs or cells affected. For example, some studies suggest that CPZ strongly affects the liver 9 , while others indicate a strong effect on red blood cells 8 or the brain 10 . The severity of side effects caused by CPZ also varies across studies, with some suggesting that CPZ does not cause serious side effects unless taken in high doses. On the other hand, other studies indicate that side effects can occur even at low doses.

Consistency and Contradictions in Results

Research findings regarding CPZ side effects show both consistency and contradictions. Many studies indicate that CPZ can cause oxidative stress 9 , 8 , 10 and inhibit the antioxidant defense system 9 . However, some studies report that CPZ, on the contrary, exhibits antioxidant effects 9 . Furthermore, there is variability in the severity of CPZ side effects and the organs or cells affected across studies. These contradictions may be attributed to differences in the study subjects, methods, doses, etc.

Implications for Daily Life

CPZ is an effective drug for treating mental disorders but can cause many side effects. If you are taking CPZ, it is essential to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and avoid stopping or changing the dosage without consulting your doctor. CPZ may also interact with other medications, so be sure to inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking before starting CPZ.

Limitations of Current Research

There are several limitations to the research on CPZ. Firstly, many studies are conducted on animals 9 , 3 , 15 , 13 , 11 , 10 , 4 , 17 , 18 , 12 and do not directly demonstrate the effects on humans. Additionally, individual differences in the severity of CPZ side effects and the organs or cells affected are possible. Furthermore, research on CPZ side effects is still insufficient, and further investigation is needed.

Future Research Directions

To gain a better understanding of CPZ side effects, large-scale human studies are needed. Developing methods and drugs to reduce CPZ side effects is also an important challenge. Further research on the environmental impact of CPZ 17 is also necessary.

Conclusion

CPZ is an effective drug for treating mental disorders but can cause many side effects. If you are taking CPZ, it is essential to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and avoid stopping or changing the dosage without consulting your doctor. Research on CPZ is still insufficient, and further investigation is needed.