Journal of Mental Science (1957) 103: 218-221. doi: 10.1192/bjp.103.430.218
© 1957 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
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A Controlled Clinical Trial of Methylpentynol ("Oblivon")

S. Bockner, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., D.P.M., Assistant Psychiatrist

North Middlesex Hospital, Edmonton, London, N.18

ABSTRACT

A controlled trial of methylpentynol ("Oblivon") was conducted on 87 patients who were observed from six to 18 months.

The drug was given to relieve anxiety and two-thirds of the cases were improved or much improved.

The conditions best affected were anxiety states and phobic anxiety states. Phobias and acute panic states were often helped. The effect of suggestion was discussed, half the patients on inert capsules being symptomatically improved. But a very good response to the capsule was three times more frequent with the drug than with the inert capsule.

The drug did not often benefit cases where depression was prominent.

There were no toxic symptoms, and only minor side effects were observed.

Methylpentynol appears to be a useful rapidly acting drug for allaying apprehension and anxiety without any marked hypnotic effect. Its prophylactic action was valuable.