Prescription drugs
Sir, —While attempting to place the drug problem in better perspective Dr Roxburgh may unwittingly cause harm to patients whose mental health depends on regular use of those drugs which he condemns. Unfortunately “tranquilliser” is a word applied to several groups of drugs, including the Phenothiazines, which control schizophrenia, and tricyclic anti-depressants, which control depressive illnesses. Both these diseases cause gross disability and suffering, and the development of specific drug remedies has revolutionised the treatment of mental disorder. Unlike nicotine, heroin and alcohol, neither of these groups of “tranquillisers” are liable to be abused or to cause dependence.—Yours, JOHN DOBSON. Department of Psychological Medicine, Christchurch Hospital. July 16, 1971.
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Bibliographic details
Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32661, 17 July 1971, Page 16
Word Count
111Prescription drugs Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32661, 17 July 1971, Page 16
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