Pharmacological control of acute agitation: focus on intramuscular preparations.

Acute agitation in the psychiatric emergency setting is a common presentation, which can endanger the patient, caregivers and professional staff. Rapid and effective treatment, followed by ongoing evaluation and maintenance treatment where appropriate, is key to circumvent negative outcomes. Nonpharmacological measures are the first step in treating the acutely agitated patient, and include verbal intervention and physical restraint.

Management of acute agitation in patients with bipolar disorder: efficacy and safety of intramuscular aripiprazole.

To investigate the efficacy and safety of intramuscular (IM) aripiprazole for the treatment of agitation in patients with bipolar I disorder, manic or mixed episodes. In total, 301 patients experiencing acute agitation were randomized to IM aripiprazole 9.75 mg per injection (n = 78), IM aripiprazole 15 mg per injection (n = 78), IM lorazepam 2 mg per injection (n = 70), or IM placebo (n = 75) in this double-blind multicenter study.

Best clinical practice with ziprasidone IM: update after 2 years of experience.

Acute agitation is a common psychiatric emergency often treated with intramuscular (i.m.) medication when rapid control is necessary or the patient refuses to take an oral agent.

Management of acute psychosis: from emergency to stabilization.

In treating and managing acute psychosis in patients with schizophrenia, early intervention may be valuable. The need to quickly control severe symptoms, however, must be balanced with a treatment algorithm that is both safe and effective. The present management of acute psychotic agitation varies among clinicians.