panic-attack reaction to compazine

nanablue2 · Jun 30, 2001

I've seen this type of response to compazine. It's in a class of drugs known as phenothiazines. You may also see it with phenergan. Parients have described an overwhelming fear of losing control and wanting to run. I've seen previously calm patients become suddenly agitated and restless following administration of these drugs. While not common, it occurs often enough for the nurses on our unit to choose alternative anti-emetics.

oramar · Jun 30, 2001

I saw this reaction in a patient once, person was completely lucid and about 45 min after compazine went wacko. Took a day or two to come down, needless to say she was instructed to inform future medical personel about adverse reaction. She was completely normal again in 24 to 48 hrs.

P_RN, ADN, RN · Jul 1, 2001

I have seen this with the phenothiazines. In fact I have had a similar instance myself when I got mumps at age 33!

The treatment was Benadryl 25-50 po prn q6

My doc described it as an acute extrapyramidal reaction with dystonia.

And of course no more compazine.

kewlnurse · Jul 1, 2001

Compazine is bad, if they have that type of reaction on an initial dose they could have Neuroliptic malinanat (i'm sure i spelled that wrong) syndrom with susequent doses. We usually use Zofran, almost no side effects and it works well

CEN35 · Jul 1, 2001

you are referring to the dystonic or extrapyramidal side effects. one thing for sure compazine is an awesome drug, for nausea and/or migraines. however, incidents like this do happen to some patients. if it has happened in the past, they should never get it again. we do have physicians in the er, that write for a mix, like compazine 10mg ivp, and benadryl 12.5 mg ivp......just to try and eliminate the possibility of such an incident.

BeachNurse · Jul 1, 2001

I was given compazine once in the ER. Soon after, I had this overwhelming panicked feeling. I felt like I couldn't sit still, like I had to run away and also like I was closed-in. I told the ER staff that I had to leave now. My husband tried to calm me down, but it didn't work. It was quite a scary feeling. I assume that this means I shouldn't have it again?

redshoesjet · Jul 23, 2001

this is a normal reaction to cast as pts. can get very excited when a new cast is applied,always check for capillary refill and go your gut.

P_RN, ADN, RN · Jul 24, 2001

To redshoes...I've done ortho nursing for most of my career, and I don't think I have ever seen a panic attack as a result of a cast.

P

travelingtweety · Jul 24, 2001

This happened to me when I was treated with Compazine in the ER a few years ago. I was sicker than a dog, but once the compazine was in I couldn't sit still, kept pulling at the sheets. I felt very agitated. It was a horrible feeling. The nurse at the time said it was a very unusual response, but I've also spoken with someone else who had this happen. Since I also had a migraine, I asked for some Morphine which had me sleeping for several hours. I think they also gave me some Versed to calm me down. But I still wonder is this an allergy to this med.

I'd be curious about any literature on the subject.

Laura

ClariceS · Jul 25, 2001

I've had that reaction after I was given toradol and compazine IV for a migraine. It was awful!!! I didn't really feel panicked but completely restless and agitated. (Headache was gone though!) The ER doc gave me 40 mg benadryl IV which cured (and practically zombified) me. Never compazine again for me. And I do watch out for it in patients - if they are confused or agitated already they are difficult to calm.

Q. · Jul 25, 2001

I've seen this with my husband. He was given IV compazine for a kidney stone and he said he felt like crawling out of his skin. He felt exhausted yet wound up at the same time. He didn't like the panicky feeling it gave him. He now lists it as an allergy and gets Reglan instead.