<b>Two Cases where Kampo Medicines Successfully Replaced Psychotropic D</b><b>rugs</b> / 日本東洋医学雑誌

ABSTRACT

Psychotropic drug dependence, especially with benzodiazepines, is recognized as a growing problem. Several alternative agents such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been suggested as benzodiazepine replacements. The author here reports two cases with neurosis in which psychotropic drugs were successfully replaced with Kampo medicines such as saikokeishito, saikokeishikankyoto, kihito, kamishoyosan, and saikokaryukotsuboreito. As two patients discontinued benzodiazepines, rebound symptoms arose in one, and the other exhibited withdrawal symptoms and relapsed. These symptoms gradually improved, however, and Kampo medicines were able to contribute toward their complete alleviation. This suggests that Kampo therapy can be an alternative to psychotropic drugs, especially benzodiazepines.