A guide to therapeutics / by Robert Farquharson.

  • Farquharson, Robert, 1836-1918.
Date:
1877
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A guide to therapeutics / by Robert Farquharson. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    54/320 (page 42)
    proving that the influence of the drug is exerted probably either upon the different nerves or upon those portions of the cord which transmit the im- pulse from these nerves to the cells presiding immediately over motion. Sym'paiJietic System.—Pot. bromid. is supposed to have a sedative influence over the sympathetic system of nerves; but on this point the evidence is very conti-adictory. 2. Effects on Circulation.— No special action on the heart has been observed save some slight lowering of its action. The smaller arteries have been when the seizures occur prin- cipally at night, the remedy will frequently disappoint us. Pot. bromid. is believed to act in epilepsy by relieving the spasmodic contraction of a vessel supplying a special vas- cular brain area which is thus deranged in function. It is also of great benefit in the various convulsive seizures of children, in laryngismus stri- dulus, night terrors, and also in those spasmodic symptoms which depend on meningitis or organic brain disease. It is of service in incon- tinence of urine, pertussis, cramp of lower limbs, chorea, in delirium tremens, and in many of those forms of mental de- pression, nervous headache, and vague sensations, indicating nervous disturbance, which are so distressing to some women about the change of life. It is said to be a good remedy in sea-sickness from the sedative effect on the centre concerned in the reflex act of vomiting. 2. Bromide of potassium is an excellent narcotic, and causes refreshing sleep, more especially in cases of worry, mental anxiety, or overwork.