CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE USE OF PROMETHAZINE HYDROCHLORIDE IN PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS
Abstract
Thirty-nine psychiatric patients were treated with promethazine hydrochloride. The severity of mental disturbances varied considerably from patient to patient. All were in need of psychiatric help, but hospitalization was not recommended.
Promethazine hydrochloride was administered orally and intramuscularly. Dosage and method of administration were adjusted according to the needs of the patient. The total daily dosage ranged from 37.5 mg. orally, to combined oral and parenteral administration of 350 mg. Each patient showed some degree of improvement on the individualized regimen prescribed. Of the 39 patients, 11 recovered completely; 18 showed pronounced improvement, and 10 showed moderate improvement. The only side-effect noted was an occasional complaint of pain at the site of injection. None of the serious side-effects reported following use of chlorpromazine and reserpine was observed in this series.
Of the 16 patients who have been followed the longest, 6 have maintained improvement on psychotherapy alone, without continued medication; in 8 improvement has been maintained on reduced dosage, and in 2 (psychotic patients) continuation of the original maintenance dose has been required.
Access content
To read the fulltext, please use one of the options below to sign in or purchase access.- Personal login
- Institutional Login
- Sign in via OpenAthens
- Register for access
-
Please login/register if you wish to pair your device and check access availability.
Not a subscriber?
PsychiatryOnline subscription options offer access to the DSM-5 library, books, journals, CME, and patient resources. This all-in-one virtual library provides psychiatrists and mental health professionals with key resources for diagnosis, treatment, research, and professional development.
Need more help? PsychiatryOnline Customer Service may be reached by emailing [email protected] or by calling 800-368-5777 (in the U.S.) or 703-907-7322 (outside the U.S.).
