Delirium

Question 1

What are the symptoms of delirium?

Answer 1

Acute onset:
Altered cognition
Altered consciousness
Sleep-wake cycle disturb
Psychotic symptoms
Alteration in psychomotor function
Impairment of language
Alteration in affect
Increase or decrease in arousal

Question 2

What medications are useful is delirium?

Answer 2

Anti-psychotics

• Haliperidol (IM 1-2mg) if agitated or aggressive
• Risperidone is better tolerated than Haliperidol
• Olanzapine and quetiapine can also be used

Benzodiazepines

• Lorazepam - useful tranquilizing effect
• Midazolam - in crisis
• Diazepam - in alcohol withdrawal and anticholinergic delirium
• beware of increase in paradoxical agitation and resp depression