Parenteral lorazepam versus parenteral haloperidol for the control of psychotic disruptive behavior.
In a double-blind, prospective study, 2 mg of intramuscular lorazepam and 5 mg of intramuscular haloperidol were equally effective in controlling aggression, agitation, and assaultive behavior. Although lorazepam and haloperidol produced an equivalent mean decrease in aggression, significantly more subjects who received lorazepam had a greater decrease in aggression ratings than haloperidol recipients; this effect was independent of sedation. Lorazepam produced significantly fewer extrapyramidal symptoms. These data support the current clinical practice of using lorazepam (alone, or in combination with a neuroleptic) for control of acute aggressive and assaultive behavior.
Salzman
C
C
Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts Mental Health Center, Boston 02115.
Solomon
D
D
Miyawaki
E
E
Glassman
R
R
Rood
L
L
Flowers
E
E
Thayer
S
S
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D000374:Aggression / Q000187:drug effects*; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006220:Haloperidol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D008140:Lorazepam / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D006220:Haloperidol; D008140:Lorazepam