Major tranquillisers used as antidepressants. A review.
The use of major tranquillisers as antidepressants is reviewed and 34 double-blind trials evaluating this were found. Results suggest that some neuroleptics have antidepressant properties, although most studies have been conducted on mixed anxiety-depressive states. Advantages over the tricyclic antidepressants are the early onset of action and relative lack of side-effects. Post psychotic depression following major tranquilliser therapy is considered, and it is concluded that it is likely to be part of the underlying illness and not a drug-induced effect. It is suggested that further work with major tranquillisers in depression may be of value in exploring the mechanism of action of antidepressant drugs.
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001549:Benzamides / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002090:Butyrophenones; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D010640:Phenothiazines
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D001549:Benzamides; D002090:Butyrophenones; D010640:Phenothiazines