Final answer:
Prochlorperazine (Compazine) typically begins to alleviate schizophrenia symptoms over a period of days by blocking dopamine receptors, which reduces psychotic symptoms, agitation, and impulsive behavior. Continuous medication is often necessary.
Step-by-step explanation:
Prochlorperazine (Compazine) is a neuroleptic drug prescribed to address symptoms of schizophrenia, a severe mental illness characterized by a difficulty in distinguishing reality from imagination, disordered thinking, and problems in social interactions. This medication works by blocking dopamine receptors, which helps to diminish psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. Patients might notice an initial decrease in restlessness and agitation, and over a period of days, there tends to be an improvement in responsiveness and communicative behavior, as well as a reduction in aggressive and impulsive behaviors. While prochlorperazine can be effective in managing symptoms of schizophrenia, it is not a cure, and continuous medication is generally required.