Chlorpromazine for Hiccups: How This Antipsychotic Stops Persistent Hiccups

When hiccups won’t stop — lasting days or even weeks — they’re not just annoying, they can wreck sleep, eating, and mental health. That’s where chlorpromazine, a first-generation antipsychotic originally developed for schizophrenia. Also known as Thorazine, it’s one of the few medications with solid evidence for treating intractable hiccups. Most people think of chlorpromazine as a psychiatric drug, but its ability to calm the brainstem’s hiccup reflex makes it a go-to when other remedies fail.

Chlorpromazine works by blocking dopamine receptors in the medulla oblongata, the part of the brain that controls involuntary actions like hiccups. It’s not a cure-all, but for people with hiccups lasting over 48 hours — especially those linked to neurological issues, cancer, or post-surgery irritation — it often brings relief within hours. Studies from the 1970s to today show it works in over 70% of these cases. Unlike home remedies (holding your breath, swallowing sugar), chlorpromazine targets the root cause, not just the symptom. It’s not used for simple, short hiccups, but when you’ve tried everything and still can’t breathe right between hiccups, it’s the next step.

It’s not without risks. Drowsiness, dry mouth, low blood pressure, and muscle stiffness are common. In older adults or those with heart conditions, it can affect heart rhythm — which is why doctors check ECGs before prescribing it. You won’t find it on pharmacy shelves without a prescription, and it’s rarely the first choice. But for those stuck in a cycle of uncontrollable hiccups, it’s one of the most reliable tools doctors have. The posts below cover how chlorpromazine fits into broader medication safety, why some drugs are repurposed for unexpected uses, and how to spot when a side effect is actually the treatment working.