A Double-blind, Placebo-Controlled Dose-Response Comparison of Intramuscular Olanzapine and Haloperidol in the Treatment of Acute Agitation in Schizophrenia

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Abstract
ACUTE AGITATION is common in patients with schizophrenia and may be accompanied by destructive and/or violent behavior.1-3 Rapid treatment with intramuscular (IM) typical antipsychotic and/or benzodiazepine agents may be essential to prevent injury to the patient or others.4,5 However, IM typical antipsychotics are associated with acute dystonia,6,7 akathisia,8 neuroleptic malignant syndrome,9 and electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities including prolongation of the QTc interval.10,11 Intramuscular benzodiazepines may cause excessive sedation leading to respiratory depression,12-15 ataxia, and confusion.16 These adverse events present a greater risk when typical antipsychotic agents and benzodiazepines are administered together and/or intravenously.17-20

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