Psychopharmacology Tips

The following remedies may be helpful in the management of acute benign hiccups in psychiatric settings:

• Irritation of the nasopharynx by tongue traction, lifting the tongue with a spoon or eating one teaspoon of dry granulated sugar.
• Interruption of the respiratory cycle by breath holding, Valsalva’s maneuver, sneezing, or rebreathing into a bag.
• Irritation of the diaphragm by holding knees to chest

Various drugs have been suggested to be useful in management of hiccups. Chlorpromazine, 25-50 mg orally or intramuscularly, is most commonly used. Other drugs reported to be effective include anticonvulsants (phenytoin, carbamazepine), benzodiazepines (lorazepam, diazepam), metoclopramide and baclofen.

From McQuaid, K.R. (2004) Alimentary tract. In: Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment 2004, (Eds.) Tierney Jr L. M., McPhee, S. J. & Papadakis, M. A. pp 515-622, New York: Lange Medical Books.