Effects of chronic chlorpromazine administration on systemic arterial pressure in schizophrenic patients: Relationship of body position to blood pressure

Abstract

In schizophrenic patients, mean blood pressure differed significantly when the measurements were obtained in the standing, sitting, or supine positions. Highest arterial pressure occurred in the sitting position, and the lowest pressure in the supine position. Chronic chlorpromazine (CPZ) administration produced a significant lowering of mean arterial pressures obtained from schizophrenic patients in standing or sitting, but not in supine, positions. Chronic CPZ did not produce orthostatic hypotension but did significantly reduce the postural pressor responses produced by positional changes. Male patients showed significantly greater postural blood pressure responses in the sitting position than women, but both groups demonstrated equivalent blood pressure changes produced by chronic CPZ. Determination of upright and supine body position blood pressures in the clinical evaluation of drugs is suggested and discussed.