Effects of Oral and Intramuscular Administration of Reserpine in Thyrotoxicosis

THE beneficial effects of reserpine in the control of agitated, hyperactive patients1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 suggested exploration of its usefulness in controlling the symptoms and signs of hyperthyroidism. Reserpine has been noted to cause ptosis, bradycardia, increase in body weight and reduction of basal metabolic rate in euthyroidal experimental subjects.9 10 11 12 Furthermore, hyperthyroidism has been considered a disease of diencephalic origin by many investigators, and reserpine has its tranquilizing effects in this area of the central nervous system.6 , 9 , 11 , 13 Method and MaterialTwenty-one studies in 20 patients were conducted with the use of oral or intramuscular administration of reserpine.∥ Before treatment all patients demonstrated typical . . .