Vitamin H (2/3) The two main drug classes that have been traditionally used for this type of chemical sedation are the benzodiazepines and the antipsychotics. I was taught in my Emergency Medicine residency that the benzos were “minor sedatives” and the antipsychotics were “major sedatives.” However, there have been several studies comparing the two when sedating agitated patients, including this 2010 Cochrane Review, and, in fact, both work well. They may work even better when given together. Each has advantages and disadvantages that should be considered. Antipsychotics for Sedation–Haloperidol The best overall antipsychotic for rapid sedation of agitated patients in a correctional setting, in my opinion, is good, old haloperidol. Haldol has been safely used for this indication (probably) millions of times world-wide. It is “tried and true.” It is Vitamin H. The Velvet Hammer. The main advantage of haloperidol is that it is so safe. It does not cause respiratory depression and so can be given to intoxicated patients. It has no dose limit for safety reasons. This means that it can safely be given to patients who are already taking antipsychotics. The dose is the same whether po or IM, so if a patient changes his mind and accepts oral meds, it is easy to change course. It can be given IV as well as IM (though we would seldom give haloperidol IV in a correctional facility as is done routinely in ER Any other antipsychotic that can be given IM can also be used for rapid sedation. Possibilities include Inapsine (droperidol), Geodon (ziprasidone), and Zyprexa (olanzapine). There is nothing wrong with any of these agents, and if you already use them and are comfortable with them, that is great. They offer no advantages to Haldol, however. None are more effective and none are safer. Part (3) coming soon Source : jaildoctor.com @medicalcortex #medstudents #medical #nurse #medicalstudent #lsd #hallucinations #drugs #f4f #l4l #premed #usmle #braincontrol #recreational #neurology #neuroscience #neurosurgeon #doctor #stress #psychiatry #psychology #trip #mentalillness #awaken
