Anaesthesia for Bronchoscopy

Abstract

JOURNAL symptoms became apparent, but this may have been due to the rapidity with which I have administered the drug. Macdonald and Watts and Madgwick1 have commented on the fact that the " build-up " must be gradual, and my rapid method of treatment probably predisposed to side-effects. Circumstances, however, did not permit waiting for any length of time before I was forced to transfer patients. It was possible to reduce the drug, after the initial good effects were obtained, to 5-10 mg. per day, but I have found that the patients must be maintained regularly on the drug or else symptoms recur. At this low level of dosage side-effects are negligible. Manic and paranoid patients have responded well, but no effect was seen in depressed cases. The agitated patient is rapidly controlled and the results have encouraged me to continue with this form of therapy. No difference was noted between the sexes, and I have observed no jaundice, dermatitis, or blood dyscrasias. I consider that trifluoperazine is extremely useful for agitated senile patients and that in all probability it will control effectively senile patients who become difficult and unmanageable, and thus relieve the pressure on the beds in mental institutions.-I am, etc.,