1Two studies were carried out on acutely psychotic patients receiving chlorpromazine (100 mg) 8-hourly. 2 In the pilot study on five patients, plasma chlorpromazine concentrations fell over the course of 3 weeks of treatment and parallel changes were noted in the plasma half-life of antipyrine, salivation rate and handwriting length. 3 In the main study involving twelve patients treated for 15 weeks, the above findings were confirmed and were interpreted as indicating that chlorpromazine accelerated its own metabolism by inducing liver microsomal oxidising enzymes. No metabolites of chlorpromazine were detected in plasma. 4 The addition of phenobarbitone (50 mg) 8-hourly for 3 weeks, or orphenadrine (100 mg) 8-hourly for 3 weeks, resulted in a lowering of plasma chlorpromazine concentrations together with a further shortening of plasma antipyrine half-life. 5 Physiological effects of the additional treatments suggested that phenobarbitone lessens the effects of chlorpromazine by lowering body concentrations. However, orphenadrine acts more by virtue of its anticholinergic effects. 6 It was concluded that phenobarbitone and orphenadrine should not be prescribed routinely in patients receiving major tranquillisers. The need for the addition of orphenadrine should be assessed in each individual case.

Seven male inpatients suffering from acute schizophrenia were treated with chlorpromazine elixir 100mg 8-hourly for 9 weeks. Nortriptyline 50mg 8-hourly was added during weeks 4, 5 and 6. Plasma chlorpromazine concentrations, antipyrine plasma half-life, blood pressure, pulse rate, pupil size, salivation, handwriting and clinical state were measured at weekly intervals. Plasma chlorpromazine concentrations rose when nortriptyline was added, and the antipyrine plasma half-life was prolonged. Blood pressure dropped on institution of chlorpromazine and dropped further with the addition of nortriptyline. The pulse rate rose in a parallel fashion. Pupil size, salivation and handwriting were diminished by chlorpromazine, but hardly affected further by nortriptyline. The addition of nortriptyline dramatically reversed the therapeutic actions of chlorpromazine, mainly through pharmacodynamic interaction. It is concluded that this combination is potentially deleterious, and must be used with care.

This research provides initial data for family quality of life in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It also provides suggestions for improving quality of life for families that have one or more members with ID. The results should also contribute to rejecting stereotypes and promoting inclusion of children with ID as well as the rights of their families.