What common side effect should a nurse warn a client prescribed chlorpromazine for Huntington's disease about?

Chlorpromazine is an antipsychotic medication that is often prescribed to manage symptoms associated with conditions like Huntington's disease. One of the notable side effects of this medication is drowsiness. This occurs because chlorpromazine has sedative properties that can lead to CNS depression, causing the patient to feel tired or lethargic.

It is essential for the nurse to inform the patient about this potential side effect, as drowsiness can impact the client's daily activities, cognitive functioning, and overall safety, particularly if they are driving or operating machinery. Awareness of this side effect allows the patient to take necessary precautions to manage it effectively or consult with the healthcare provider if it becomes problematic.

Other side effects, while possible, do not share the same prevalence or direct impact on daily functioning as drowsiness, making it critical for patient safety and wellbeing to highlight this specific risk.