Four patients suffering from akathisia and psychotic symptoms were remarkably improved with Sanou-shashin-to. The first case was a 49-year-old woman with atypical psychosis. The other cases were from twenties to thirties years old women with schizophrenia. All cases were “Jitsu sho” and had constipation. San'o-shashin-to 6.0g (EK-13) a day was administered in all cases and Toukaku-joki-to 7.5g (TJ-61) a day was prescribed in the first case and in the fourth case. In several days, the chief complaint “I can't stand still.” almost disappeared.
These cases suggest that San'o-shashin-to involved Rhei Rhizoma (Rhubarb) may be effective for the treatment of akathisia associated with schizophrenia and atypical psychosis and the total dose was decreased by its use because Rhubarb has psychotropic effects and cathartic action.