THE INITIATION OF TREATMENT OF UNMANAGEABLE PSYCHOTICS WITH INTRAMUSCULAR ADMINISTRATION OF TRIFLUOPERAZINE COMBINED WITH CHLORPROMAZINE

A combined intramuscular administration of trifluoperazine with chlorpromazine was used in 36 highly psychotic male patients aged 15 to 51. Remarkable improvement was observed within from 1 to 3 days of treatment, depending on the degree of disturbance. There were only 2 patients who needed a higher or a lower dosage, respectively, the average being 2 mg. of trifluoperazine and 50 mg. of chlorpromazine.

The advantages of the intramuscular combination of these drugs are 1. An almost immediate response to the medication; 2. Shortening or elimination of seclusion or restraining periods; 3. Shortening of the initial phase of hospitalization; 4. Speeding of the patient's readiness for intensive psychotherapy and oral medication; 5. Benefit to other patients who are not subjected to witnessing severely-disturbed behavior of others; 6. Lessening of anxiety and nursing problems for attending personnel in the ward.