The evidence of the efficacy of this class of drug is mostly of an anecdotal nature, with few controlled studies in the literature. A trial of chlorpromazine ([i]) failed to show benefit in cancer patients.
However, pimozide has been shown to be effective to combat trigeminal neuralgia ([ii]) and methotrimeprazine has been demonstrated as effective in both acute and chronic cancer pain. ([iii]).
Whilst pimozide might be effective against lancinating pain, troublesome side-effects are common and use of anticonvulsants like gabapentin is more likely to be successful.
[i] Houde RW, Wallenstein SL Fed Proc 1966;14:353 Analgesic power of chlorpromazine alone and in combination with morphine.
[ii] Lechin F, Van Der Dijs B, Lechin ME et al Arch Neurol 1989;9:960-962 Pimozide therapy for trigeminal neuralgia.
[iii] Beaver WT. Wallenstein SL, Houde RW et al Clin Pharmacol Ther1966;7:436-446 A comparison of the analgesic effect of methotrimeprazine and morphine in patients with cancer.
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