Application of the neuroleptic pimozide (ORAP-R 6238) for tranquilizer indications in a controlled study.

The effect of the neuroleptic pimozide at doses of 2 mg/day was compared with that of diazepam at doses of 3 x 5 mg. This double-blind study involved 50 outpatients with psychovegetative syndromes and anxiety neuroses. At these doses and under the described test conditions both preparations were virtually equally effective. Pimozide can therefore be considered an alternative preparation for 'genuine' tranquilizers. Above all, its application seems to be useful in patients that are prone to drug abuse, and therefore, a priori, endangered by habit formation.