Abstract
A preliminary study was made on a phenothazine derivative, Thioridazine (Mellaril).
The purpose of the study was to see how this new drug would compare in clinical effectiveness and occurrence of side-effects with well known neuroleptics, such as Largactil and Pacatal.
Ten chronic male patients were selected for this study. All of them had previously been on Largactil and/or Pacatal medication and Mellaril was substituted for them in equal doses.
The impressions gained from the study were that the advantages of Mellaril are characterized by
1) absence of cataleptic effect;
2) absence of side-effects;
3) clinical effectiveness in some cases with lower doses than those of the substituted drugs;
4) no significant changes in blood pressure, temperature and pulse rate;
5) lack of anti-emetic effect, which might prevent masking of toxic symptoms. It was also the impression that it controlled anxiety and tension less effectively than the substituted drugs. It is a potent drug that compares favourably with Largactil and Pacatal and because of low toxicity, absence of side-effects and cataleptic effects, it is considered a suitable drug for non-hospitalized patients and those hospital patients who are on an active therapeutic programme.