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Use of risperidone in delirium: case reports
1Department of Psychiatry, SUNY Health Science Center, Syracuse 13210, USA.
Summary
Low-dose risperidone effectively treated delirium in two patients, offering a potential alternative to haloperidol, especially for elderly and medically ill individuals prone to side effects.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Geriatrics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- High-potency neuroleptics like haloperidol are standard for organic brain syndromes but cause significant extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS).
- Delirium management often involves addressing underlying causes and behavioral symptoms.
- Identifying safer alternatives for antipsychotic treatment in vulnerable populations is crucial.
Observation:
- Two case reports detail the use of a newer antipsychotic, risperidone, in treating delirium.
- The patients included a 60-year-old man and a 14-year-old boy.
- Both patients received low doses of risperidone.
Findings:
- Delirium was successfully treated in both patients with low-dose risperidone.
- Risperidone demonstrated efficacy without apparent significant adverse effects in these cases.
- This suggests a potential benefit over traditional neuroleptics.
Implications:
- Risperidone may be an effective alternative to haloperidol for delirium treatment.
- It could be particularly beneficial for elderly and medically ill patients who are more susceptible to adverse effects.
- Further research into risperidone's role in delirium management is warranted.