Psych


Droperidol

Rapid Review

  • Mechanism of Action: Antipsychotic, Antiemetic; antagonizes dopamine and alpha adrenergic receptors. 
  • Indications: Agitation, nausea/vomiting, headache, pain (as adjunct w/ opiate) 
  • Contraindications: Allergy to drug/class, known or suspected prolonged QT
  • Dosage:
    • Acute agitation: 5-10mg (IV) or 10 mg (IM)
    • Nausea/vomiting: 0.625 – 2.5 mg (IV)
  • Onset: 5-10 minutes
  • Duration: 2-4 hours
  • Adverse Reactions: QT prolongation, extrapyramidal side effects

Pearls

Video Credit: ER-Rx Podcast


Haloperidol

Rapid Review

  • Mechanism of Action: Antipsychotic; blocks dopaminergic receptors in the brain, depressing reticular activating system.
  • Indications: Acute agitation, psychosis
  • Contraindications: Allergy to drug, Parkinson’s disease. Caution in QT prolongation.
  • Dosage: 5-10 mg PO/IM/IV q2hrs (Max 100mg/day)
  • Onset: 10-20 minutes
  • Duration: 4-6 hours (IV)
  • Adverse Reactions: Drowsiness, extrapyramidal symptoms, tardive dyskinesia
  • Special Considerations: May increase liver function test values

Pearls

Video Credit: Nurse Ryan


Olanzapine

Rapid Review

  • Mechanism of Action: Atypical antipsychotic; binds to dopamine, histamine, alpha1, and 5HT2 receptors. 
  • Indications: Acute agitation, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder
  • Contraindications: Allergy to drug/class. Should not be given for dementia-related psychosis, NMS
  • Dosage: 5-10 mg IM/ODT (max 30mg/day)
  • Onset: 15-45 minutes
  • Duration: Half life of 30 hours for most adults
  • Adverse Reactions: Orthostatic hypotension (3-20%), Neuroleptic malignant syndrome, extrapyramidal side effects
  • Special Considerations: N/A

Pearls

Video Credit: Nurse Ryan


Ziprasidone

Rapid Review

  • Mechanism of Action: Antipsychotic; D2 and 5HT2 antagonist. Strong alpha 1 blocker and histamine-1 antagonist.
  • Indications: Acute agitation, psychosis.
  • Contraindications: QT prolongation, allergy to drug, decompensated heart failure
  • Dosage: 10-20mg IM q2-4 hrs (Max: 40 mg/day)
  • Onset
  • Duration: Half life 2-7 hrs.
  • Adverse Reactions: Prolonged QT, torsades, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, extrapyramidal side effects, dizziness
  • Special Considerations: None 

Pearls

Video Credit: Eric Christianson

Brandon Simpson, PA-C
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