Medications Used for Agitated or Violent Patients
Medication | Comments |
|---|---|
Antipsychotics | |
Aripiprazole | Response to aripiprazole should be monitored in patients taking medications that decrease (carbamazepine) or increase (fluoxetine, paroxetine) plasma levels. |
Haloperidol | Haloperidol is usually required only if a diagnosis of psychosis has been made. The medication can make some substance intoxications (eg, with phencyclidine) worse and may cause dystonia. A liquid concentrate, which has rapid absorption may be used if the patient can take the medication orally. Respiratory depression does not occur. |
Olanzapine | Some clinicians give the medication IV in 5-mg doses. |
Ziprasidone | ECG monitoring may be needed. Concomitant use with carbamazepine and ketoconazole should be avoided. |
Benzodiazepines | |
Lorazepam | IV is preferred because absorption from IM injection may be erratic. Respiratory depression is possible. |
Midazolam | IV is preferred because absorption from IM injection may be erratic. Respiratory depression is possible. |
