Psychiatric Emergencies
Not yet clinically reviewed
This protocol was migrated from the earlier Pharmapedia and Ward Guide apps for educational use. Follow your hospital's own policies and consult seniors when in doubt.
Introduction
This is an acute organic brain syndrome and is fairly common in the medical wards, ICU postoperative wards, etc. The cardinal features are clouded consciousness, illusions and hallucinations. One common setting of delirium is when an alcoholic gets admitted in the hospital, where he is forced to stop alcohol ingestion. Alcohol withdrawal can lead to delirium tremens.
Treatment
- Haloperidol is the drug of choice in delirium and has to be started in small doses and later give increments as need be.
- In acute excitement haloperidol can be given intravenously (5-20 mg) and may be repeated.
- Benzodiazepines (Diazepam 10 mg IV very slowly or Lorazepam 2 mg) can also be given.
- The possible causes of delirium need to be found out by doing appropriate evaluation.