68 year old - malak

[ArchivalUser]

68 year old man develops agitation. Which is the best treatment?
a)Lorazepam
b)Haldol
c)Venlafaxine
d)Buspirone
e)Respirodone

[ArchivalUser]

a...

[ArchivalUser]

e), respirodone.
For old pts, benzodiazepine should be used with caution, benzo can aggravate agitation due to disinhibition for seniors and young child. For agitation in seniors, DOC are haldol and respirodone. Among these two, respirodone is preferred, but low dose haldol is liked by many doctors due to its ease of use.

[ArchivalUser]

I agree, BZD are used with caution in elderly. BUT, for imme action arent BZD the best choice, albeit at lower dosage in the elderly?

On the other hand, if the Q says the agitation is FROM BZD itself....then surely the answer would not be lorazepam.

[ArchivalUser]

b)Haldol

[ArchivalUser]

I flip my old notes and here what I found.
Agitation in old ppl........Atypical antipsychotic low dose (risperidone)
Aggression, combation......Haldol