Bottom Line
Delirium is a complex disorder that often has multiple causes, both reversible and irreversible. A “process of elimination” approach should be used to accurately identify and manage delirium. If a patient with delirium has little to no response to antipsychotic medications, the underlying cause or causes likely has not yet been addressed, and the evaluation should continue.
Related Resources
- Marcantonio ER. Delirium in hospitalized older adults. N Engl J Med. 2017;377:1456-1466.
- Inouye SK, Westendorp RGJ, Saczynski JS. Delirium in elderly people. Lancet. 2014;383(9920):911-922.
Drug Brand Names
Acyclovir • Zovirax
Alprazolam • Niravam, Xanax
Amantadine • Symmetrel
Amphotericin B • Abelcet
Atorvastatin • Lipitor
Atropine • Atropen
Baclofen • EnovaRX-Baclofen
Benztropine • Cogentin
Bromocriptine • Cycloset
Calcitonin • Miacalcin
Carbamazepine • Tegretol
Carbidopa-levodopa • Duopa
Ceftriaxone • Rocephin
Chlorpromazine • Thorazine
Clonidine • Catapres
Clopidogrel • Plavix
Cyclobenzaprine • Amrix
Digoxin • Lanoxin
Diltiazem • Cardizem
Disulfiram • Antabuse
Ezetimibe • Zetia
Fluoxetine • Prozac
Fluphenazine • Prolixin
Furosemide • Lasix
Haloperidol • Haldol
Ipratropium/albuterol nebulized solution • Combivent Respimat
Isoniazid • Isotamine
Isosorbide nitrate • Dilatrate
Levetiracetam • Keppra
Levodopa • Stalevo
Linezolid • Zyvox
Lisinopril • Zestril
Lithium • Eskalith, Lithobid
Lorazepam • Ativan
Magnesium Oxide • Mag-200
Meperidine • Demerol
Methyldopa • Aldomet
Metoprolol • Lopressor
Metronidazole • Flagyl
Mirtazapine • Remeron
Nitrofurantoin • Macrobid
Olanzapine • Zyprexa
Pantoprazole • Protonix
Phenytoin • Dilantin
Pramipexole • Mirapex
Rifampin • Rifadin
Risperidone • Risperdal
Ropinirole • Requip
Sotalol hydrochloride • Betapace AF
Tramadol • Ultram
Trihexyphenidyl • Trihexane
Valproic acid • Depakote