An extended trial of oxypertine in five selected cases of chronic schizophrenia.
The value of oxypertine in the treatment of chronic schizophrenia has been the subject of several clinical trials, the results of which have been reviewed recently (Skarbek and Jacobsen, 1965). In particular a comparison of the effects of oxypertine and trifluoperazine in thirty-five schizophrenic women revealed statistically sig nificant differences between the drugs, oxy pertine showing a tendency to activate the withdrawn cases (Calwell, Jacobsen and Skar bek, 1964).An opportunityaroseto study five of these patients again under controlled con ditions, and it was felt that this would be useful for two reasons. First, it would show whether the response to oxypertine was repeatable, as the patients had meanwhile resumed their previous treatment. Secondly, by a detailed examination over an extended period, using a battery of tests and flexible dosage, a more exact delineation of the optimal symptomatic response to oxypertine could be made.