This review suggests that both benzodiazepines work , but that midazolam has a faster onset and thereby reduces the risk of exposure to violence .
Most evidence , however , exists for the haloperidol plus promethazine mix , with currently more than 400 people r and omised to the combination .
The onset of action is swift and faster than lorazepam .
The combination also seems safe with no clear longer term consequences .
BACKGROUND Health services often manage agitated or violent people and for emergency psychiatric services such behaviour is particularly prevalent ( 10 % ) .
The drugs used in this situation should ensure that the person swiftly and safely becomes calm .
OBJECTIVES To examine whether haloperidol plus promethazine is an effective treatment for psychosis induced agitation/aggression .
Current practices in managing acutely disturbed patients at three hospitals in Rio de Janeiro-Brazil: a prevalence study
Background The medical management of aggressive and violent behaviour is a critical situation for which there is little evidence . In order to prepare for a r and omised trial , due to start in the psychiatric emergency rooms of Rio de Janeiro in 2001 , a survey of current practice was necessary . Methods A seven day survey of pharmacological management of aggressive people with psychosis in the emergency rooms of all four public psychiatric hospitals in Rio de Janeiro , Brazil . Results In one hospital data were not available . Of the 764 people with psychosis attending these ERs , 74 were given IM medication for rapid tranquillisation ( 9.7 % , 2.1/week/100,000 ) . A haloperidol-promethazine mix ( with or without other drugs ) was used for the majority of patients ( 83 % ) . Conclusion The haloperidol-promethazine mix , given intramuscularly for rapid tranquilization , is prevalent in Rio , where it is considered both safe and efficient . However , scientific evaluation of all pharmacological approaches to rapid tranquilization of psychotic people is inadequate or incomplete and a r and omized trial of IM haloperidol-promethazine is overdue
This review suggests that both benzodiazepines work , but that midazolam has a faster onset and thereby reduces the risk of exposure to violence .
Most evidence , however , exists for the haloperidol plus promethazine mix , with currently more than 400 people r and omised to the combination .
The onset of action is swift and faster than lorazepam .
The combination also seems safe with no clear longer term consequences .
BACKGROUND Health services often manage agitated or violent people and for emergency psychiatric services such behaviour is particularly prevalent ( 10 % ) .
The drugs used in this situation should ensure that the person swiftly and safely becomes calm .
OBJECTIVES To examine whether haloperidol plus promethazine is an effective treatment for psychosis induced agitation/aggression .