An Ophthalmoscopic Study of Patients Under Treatment with Thioridazine

Abstract

When thioridazine * (2-methylmercapto10-[2-( N-methy1-2-piperidy1 ) ethyl ]-phenothiazine hydrochloride) came to our attention, several members of our staff became impressed with the therapeutic value and minimal side-effects of this phrenotropic agent. Within a short period, over one hundred mentally retarded patients were receiving varying daily dosages of thioridazine for emotional disturbances, behavior and related problems. Since the bibliography on thioridazine is extensive, just a few pertinent references will be given. Kinross-Wright,¹Sandison,²Jones et al.,³Hollister and MacDonald,⁴Cohen and Pillsbury,⁵Oettinger and Simonds,⁶Zarling and Hogan,⁷Kuberski,⁸and Barsa and Saunders⁹reported that thioridazine is an effective phenothiazine and, importantly, it produces a lower incidence of side-effects. Weekley et al.¹⁰reported visual difficulties in 4 out of 29 patients treated with rather large dosages of thioridazine; 2 showed a severe loss of central visual acuity, and all 4 later exhibited