The use of psychotropic drugs in the treatment of chronic, severe pains.

The results of long experience in the treatment of chronic and severe pains resistant to ordinary therapy with psychotropic drugs are reported. Out of 103 impatients with chronic and severe pains caused by neurological conditions, who were treated with a combination of thymoleptics and neuroleptics, 82 (approx. 82%) showed marked improvement. These encouraging results are compared with others published in this field. The pharmacological basis of this good action is briefly discussed, also the advantages of the use of psychotropic drugs, especially of the combination of thymoleptics and neuroleptics. A dosage schedule for in- and outpatients has been established, using imipramine (Tofranil) or chlorimipramine (Anafranil), and haloperidol (Haldol).