Staff Key to Heading Off Psychiatric Emergencies

Newer antipsychotics may be useful, especially because several are available as orally disintegrating tablets, including risperidone (Risperdal) and olanzapine (Zyprexa). Residents cannot “cheek” those medications, she noted. Intramuscular olanzapine has been studied in agitated patients with schizophrenia. A 5-mg per injection dose has been recommended for geriatric patients. It should not be used in conjunction with benzodiazepines.

Dr. Patel is a speaker for Eli Lilly & Co., Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Forest Pharmaceuticals Inc., and Sanofi Aventis.