Chlorpromazine separated calming from loss of consciousness for the first time

Evidence

The product did much more than calm excited states, it had a neuropsychic effect that Delay defined as follows: “The apparent indifference to or delay in responding to external stimulation, the lessening of initiative and of concern without any change in alertness or intellectual functions, this is what constitutes the psychic impact of the drug.” … What we had with chlorpromazine was tranquillity with no soporific effect or stupor. The molecule produced peace of mind (ataraxia) and lessened the intensity of nervous agitation (hence its neuroleptic powers); consciousness was revitalized, and alertness, intelligence, and affect were no longer affected. It was truly a remedy that restored the mind’s powers, rather than a drug. — Alain Ehrenberg, The Weariness of the Self, 395

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: The new psychotropics defeated existing psychiatric vocabulary — Alain Ehrenberg, The Weariness of the Self: Diagnosing…, 398; Recommended psychotherapies are enablers for antidepressants — Alain Ehrenberg, The Weariness of the Self: Diagnosing…, 861; A person can simultaneously feel mortal fear and detached, buoyant calm — Julien Gracq, Balcony in the Forest, 436

Broader Connections

• A person can simultaneously feel mortal fear and detached, buoyant calm #expands (0.75) — Julien Gracq, Balcony in the Forest, 436