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 .
Risperidone, 2 mg/day vs. 4 mg/day, in first-episode, acutely psychotic patients: treatment efficacy and effects on fine motor functioning.
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to examine differences in the improvement of clinical psychopathology and in fine motor functions at 2 doses of risperidone in first-episode , acutely psychotic patients . METHOD In a double-blind , fixed-dose study , 49 acutely psychotic , neuroleptic-naive patients who were admitted for the first time and who met DSM-IV criteria for schizophrenia , schizophreniform disorder , or schizoaffective disorder were r and omly assigned to 2 or 4 mg/day of risperidone .  Treatment efficacy was measured using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale , the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms , The Clinical Global Impressions scale , and the Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale . Fine motor functions were assessed using a computerized device ( the Vienna Test System ) and were compared with those of a control group of 20 healthy subjects who were matched for age , gender , and educational level . RESULTS Treatment with doses of 2 and 4 mg of risperidone daily significantly reduced positive ( p < .0001 ) and negative ( p < .01 ) symptoms at 8 weeks . Although there were no significant differences in motor movements as measured using the Barnes Akathisia Scale and the Simpson-Angus Scale , computerized fine motor assessment showed significantly less motor dysfunction in the 2-mg/day group at 8 weeks . No significant correlations to plasma concentration of active moiety were found for data on psychopathology and fine motor functions . CONCLUSION The 2 doses of risperidone did not differ in terms of clinical improvement , but the 2-mg/day dose produced fewer fine motor dysfunctions . These results suggest that a dose as low as 2 mg/day of risperidone may be effective for patients with first-episode psychosis
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 .