Thioproperazine: A study of its use in psychotic excitation

Summary Fifty male patients, with ages ranging from 24 to 78-years, suffering from diverse psychotic disorders, but having in common acute excitation as the chief symptom, were treated with thioproperazine. In a great majority, the drug was given intramuscularly in the first instance, and orally thereafter. Of the total number, 43 responded excellently; 6 improved; and 1 failed to benefit. Side-effects, taking the form of a type of laryngospasm, occurred in 3 patients; these were readily controlled by administration of promethazine hydrochloride intramuscularly and by variation of the thioproperazine dosage. It was noted that all 3 patients were below 25 years of age. The main objects of the trial — to see whether the drug offered advantages, such as faster response and reduction of time spent in hospital, over other methods — were fulfilled; and the more academic object — that of studying the paradoxical contrast between the given pharmacological findings and the clinical — was considered and discussed.We concluded that thioproperazine, if handled properly, is a safe and very valuable drug in the management and treatment of all forms of psychotic excitement.