FURTHER STUDIES ON IPRONIAZID PHOSPHATE

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Abstract
Iproniazid, an anti-tuberculous drug, stimulates mental processes and creates psychopathology. The typical reaction to the drug consists of an increase of energy, appetite and resistance to fatigue. Mental aberrations are diversified and are, in most cases, characterized by overactivity, insomnia, agitation and paranoid trends. In this study 20 debilitated tuberculous patients were treated with iproniazid for the purpose of improving their depressed physical and mental condition. Of the 20 patients treated with iproniazid, 12 showed the desired response to the drug and gained an average of 20 lb. Of the 12, 4 exhibited no untoward psychic manifestations after several months of treatment, 6 became behavior problems but could tolerate the drug for many months, and 2 developed mental disorders which required immediate termination of treatment. None developed lasting psychoses. Twelve patients (60%) derived considerable benefit from the treatment although in some cases it was temporary. The psycho- and pharmacodynamic effects of the drug were discussed. Iproniazid was also compared to reserpine, lysergic acid, amphetamine and adrenochrome.