An Evaluation of Chlorpromazine (“Largactil”) in Psychiatry

Abstract

During the last two years, considerable interest has been aroused in the use of chlorpromazine in psychiatry, particularly on the Continent. A full report on the pharmacological properties of the drug appeared in 1953 (Courvoisier et al.), and a short account was given in the first paper describing the effects of chlorpromazine in the treatment of mentally ill patients in this country (Anton-Stephens, 1954). In that study, the drug was administered to patients in several diagnostic categories. A reduction in the disturbed behaviour of excited patients was observed, but considerable variation in response to the drug occurred. Small doses orally were ineffective, and a parenteral daily dosage of 200 mgm. was initially required to produce a clinical response.