TWO YEAR FOLLOW-UP STUDY OF THE RELATIONSHIP OF CHLORPROMAZINE AND THE INCIDENCE OF CONVULSIONS IN FIFTY POST-LOBOTOMY PATIENTS
Abstract
Our 2 year follow-up study of 50 post-lobotomy patients and the incidence of convulsions with chlorpromazine therapy reveals the following conclusions:
1. Chlorpromazine did not increase the frequency of convulsions in post-lobotomy patients who have a convulsive background.
2. In post-lobotomy patients who never had convulsions, chlorpromazine did not produce convulsions but the possibility of a "masked fit" in one case of sudden death must be entertained.
3. In patients who have a history of convulsions, the seizures seemed to occur within 2-4 weeks of the institution of therapy but the number of fits seems to be decreasing. This may indicate a probable synergistic action between the anti-convulsants and chlorpromazine.
4. Anti-convulsants should be continued while the patient is on chlorpromazine if there is a history of convulsions.
5. In our opinion, there is no contra-indication or risk in the use of chlorpromazine for the relief of psychotic symptoms in post-lobotomy patients providing convulsive patients are continued on anti-convulsants.
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