CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS OF THERAPEUTIC EFFECT OF CHLORPROTHIXENE (TARACTAN) IN PSYCHOSES

Sixty psychotic patients have been treated with chlorprothixene for 8 to 32 weeks; most of the patients were chronic schizophrenics. Twenty (40%) schizophrenics improved or achieved a remission to be released for convalescent care; 13 (26%) improved sufficiently to participate in hospital social, occupational and recreational activities and 17 (34%) remained unimproved. The number of non-schizophrenic patients was too small to be statistically signfficant. Frequent blood counts and transaminase studies revealed no significant abnormalities; there were no cases of agranulocytosis, jaundice or skin rash; mild extrapyramidal symptoms developed in 2 patients, but were easily controlled with Akineton, and did not require discontinuation of chlorprothixene.

Both tranquilizing and antidepressant effects are gradual; no dramatic changes have been observed.

Chlorprothixene might be useful in treatment of schizophrenic patients who have some depressive features, or become depressed from large doses of other tranquilizers.