Neurol. praxi. 2011;12(5):307-310

Treatment of delirium

doc.MUDr.Ján Pečeňák, CSc.

Psychiatrická klinika LF UK a UNB, Bratislava

Delirium is a universal pathological reaction of brain to different noxious factors. The treatment is complex and often complicated. It

must start early and to be oriented both to the primary factor (disease) and to the symptoms of delirium. The most often used drugs in the

treatment of delirium are antipsychotics, particularly haloperidol and tiapride. Atypical antipsychotics are used with consideration of their

pharmacological profiles. Risperidone and olanzapine are mostly used for this indication. Benzodiazepines should not be systematically

applied for treatment of delirium, except in the case of alcohol dependence and delirium with seizures. Short-acting benzodiazepines

are suitable for temporary treatment in the need for sedation. There are not enough data for other drugs like drugs used for dementia

and nootropics. Results from studies with small number of patients or case reports are only available.

Keywords: delirium, treatment, antipsychotics, benzodiazepines

Published: November 1, 2011  Show citation