The overtranquilized patient

When first seen, the overtranquilized patient may already be in withdrawal, may have other medical problems or may be seeking psychiatric help. The patient may, however, be primarily interested in obtaining more medication. Abuse and withdrawal of sedatives, tranquilizers, narcotics or alcohol, or a combination of these, present diagnostic pitfalls. Toxicologic studies are helpful in identifying the abused drug. The pentobarbital tolerance test is valuable in determining the daily dosage, stabilization and tapering. Follow-up is essential to patient care.