Susceptibility to drug-induced hypotension in post-partum psychosis.

Three consecutive cases of post-partum psychosis, admitted to a specialist unit, developed severe postural hypotension during treatment with standard doses of antipsychotic drugs. Post-partum patients may be particularly vulnerable to this side-effect, and the possible role of alpha-adrenoceptors in mediating this increased susceptibility to hypotension is discussed. It is suggested that antipsychotic drugs with relatively selective dopamine-blocking activity may be specifically indicated in the treatment of post-partum psychosis.