Intramuscular haloperidol-promethazine sedates violent or agitated patients more quickly than intramuscular lorazepamRapid tranquillisation of violent or agitated patients in a psychiatric emergency setting. Pragmatic randomised trial of intramuscular lorazepam v. haloperidol plus promethazine.

McAllister-Williams, Dr R Hamish PhD, MD, MRCPsych (commentator)
Alexander, J
Tharyan, P
Adams, C
et al,

University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

Alexander J, Tharyan P, Adams C, et al. Rapid tranquillisation of violent or agitated patients in a psychiatric emergency setting. Pragmatic randomised trial of intramuscular lorazepam v. haloperidol plus promethazine. Br J Psychiatry 2004; 185: 63–9.AlexanderJTharyanPAdamsCet alRapid tranquillisation of violent or agitated patients in a psychiatric emergency setting. Pragmatic randomised trial of intramuscular lorazepam v. haloperidol plus promethazine.Br J Psychiatry200418563-9Q Is lorazepam an effective alternative to haloperidol-promethazine for rapid tranquilisation of violent or agitated psychiatric patients?

For correspondence: Dr Jacob Alexander, Department of Psychiatry, Christian Medical College, Vellore 632002, Tamil Nadu, India; [email protected]

Sources of funding: Fluid Research Fund, Christian Medical College and Cochrane Schizophrenia general fund.

Evidence-Based Mental Health 8(1):p 7, February 2005.