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Thorazine advertisement, 1966. JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association, Vol. 195, No. 3. The discharged mental patient... and Thorazine® brand of chlorpromazine "The average practitioner is quite capable of handling the vast majority of ex-institutionalized patients by regulation of medication, reassurance, manipulation of the environment where necessary, and... other technics." Kline, N.S.: Postgrad. Med. 27:620 (may) 1960. The family physician must often assume responsibility for the discharged mental patient. 'Thorazine' can be a valuable adjunct to the continuing care of this patient, because it helps prevent relapses by insulating him from the impact of stressful experiences. For successful rehabilitation and prevention of rehospitalization, however, the former mental patient – and often his family – also needs the guidance and counsel of his physician. Many physicians are surprised by the high doses of 'Thorazine' used in patients released to their care from mental hospitals. This surprise may be expressed by a drastic reduction in dosage – with serious consequences for the patient. The successful maintenance of former mental patients often requires adequate, "high" dosage extended over prolonged periods of time. For the majority of patients, this regimen does not present undue risks. Continuing therapy is usually well tolerated, and is essential to most patients' continued well-being. 'Thorazine' has been successfully used for more than 10 years in the treatment of mental and emotional disturbances, and has proven highly effective in the maintenance therapy of former hospitalized mental patients. Contraindications: Comatose states or in the presence of excessive amounts of C.N.S. depressants. Principal side effects: The most frequently encountered side effect is transitory drowsiness. Other occasional side effects include: dry mouth, nasal congestion, constipation, miosis, dermatological reactions, photosensitivity, jaundice, hypotension, increased appetite and weight; very rarely mydriasis, agranulocytosis, skin pigmentation, ocular changes, extrapyramidal symptoms. Available in a variety of dosage forms: Tablets, 10 mg. 25 mg., 50 mg., 100 mg. and 200 mg.; Spansule® sustained release capsules, 30 mg.. 75 mg., 150 mg., 200 mg. and 300 mg.; Ampuls, 1 cc. and 2 cc.(25 mg./cc.); Multiple-dose Vials, 10 cc. (25 mg./cc.); Syrup, 10 mg./5 cc. tsp.; Suppositories, 25 mg. and 100 mg. Before prescribing, see SK&F product Prescribing Information. SK&F Smith, Kline & French Laboratories |