A "new" drug for treating agitation and psychosis in the general hospital: chlorpromazine.

Psychiatric residents on a consultation-liaison service consistently avoid chlorpromazine in favor of haloperidol for the treatment of psychotic, agitated patients. The residents' fears of chlorpromazine as a dangerous medication are presented and the literature about chlorpromazine's side effects is reviewed. Evidence was not found to support the contention that chlorpromazine is too dangerous to use in the medical setting. Case material illustrating the benefits of chlorpromazine is presented. A theoretical explanation for the observed prescribing practices is suggested.