TREATMENT OF OPIUM-EATERS. To tlie Editor
of
the
"
Indian Medical Gazette."
your issue of the 1st July, Surgeon T. Mayne has of opium-eaters, and has asked written his experience others to publish the result of their observations on this
Sir,?In
subject.
I have been nearly two years in charge of two different jails, and I have had several opium-eaters under observation. My ordinary practice has been to stop opium at once ; and I have never had any occasion to regret it. Stoppage of opium has always been followed by amelioration in the condition of confirmed opium-eaters, and has done no harm to beginners. I am sorry I have recorded no notes of the cases, but I am quite sure what I have here said is in accordance with the impression that has been formed on my mind after an observation of not less than 15 cases of convicts. In private practice I have had several old native gentlemen under my treatment in order to free them from the slavery of opium, and I am glad to say that the habit has been broken in each case without any untoward effect. Opium was discontinued at once. In some cases I resorted to extract of gentian, and in others to strychnia as a placebo. The latter drug, however, I should not style a placebo, as it really has an undoubted stimulating effect on the nerves.
March
1,
1831.J
In each case gentian or : with the former the as with the latter.
days
\
CORRESPONDENCE. strychnia was given only for a few patients did not seem so pleased
Yours most obedient servant. Chetun Shah, A. S., Civil Surgeon, Jhang, Panjab. Off,g. 26th November, 1SS0. 7,,
I
89
of
the
"
Indian Medical Gazette."
your issue of the 1st July, Surgeon T. Mayne has of opium-eaters, and has asked written his experience others to publish the result of their observations on this
Sir,?In
subject.
I have been nearly two years in charge of two different jails, and I have had several opium-eaters under observation. My ordinary practice has been to stop opium at once ; and I have never had any occasion to regret it. Stoppage of opium has always been followed by amelioration in the condition of confirmed opium-eaters, and has done no harm to beginners. I am sorry I have recorded no notes of the cases, but I am quite sure what I have here said is in accordance with the impression that has been formed on my mind after an observation of not less than 15 cases of convicts. In private practice I have had several old native gentlemen under my treatment in order to free them from the slavery of opium, and I am glad to say that the habit has been broken in each case without any untoward effect. Opium was discontinued at once. In some cases I resorted to extract of gentian, and in others to strychnia as a placebo. The latter drug, however, I should not style a placebo, as it really has an undoubted stimulating effect on the nerves.
March
1,
1831.J
In each case gentian or : with the former the as with the latter.
days
\
CORRESPONDENCE. strychnia was given only for a few patients did not seem so pleased
Yours most obedient servant. Chetun Shah, A. S., Civil Surgeon, Jhang, Panjab. Off,g. 26th November, 1SS0. 7,,
I
89
