SCCM Resource Library-Difficult Delirium Drug Decisions: Should Antipsychotics Be Used or Avoided?

Difficult Delirium Drug Decisions: Should Antipsychotics Be Used or Avoided?

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The video discusses the use of antipsychotic drugs for the prevention and treatment of delirium in ICU patients. Delirium is a common problem in ICU patients and can be difficult to diagnose due to its various subtypes. Delirium increases both patient and provider risks for harm and can lead to poor long-term outcomes. The use of antipsychotics for delirium treatment has been studied, but early studies failed to consistently demonstrate benefits in meaningful outcomes such as mortality and length of stay. A meta-analysis of adult inpatients with delirium also showed no significant difference in outcomes when comparing antipsychotics to placebo. Antipsychotics have a high side effect profile and may not provide significant benefits. Other drugs such as IV acetaminophen, propofol, and dexmedetomidine have also been studied, but the evidence is insufficient to make conclusions. The video concludes that there is no recommendation for routine use of antipsychotics for delirium prevention or treatment, and non-pharmacologic therapies should be considered.

Asset Subtitle

Neuroscience, Pharmacology, 2023

Asset Caption

Type: two-hour concurrent | Treatments on Autopilot (SessionID 1119558)

Meta Tag

Content Type Presentation

Knowledge Area Neuroscience

Knowledge Area Pharmacology

Learning Pathway Delirium and Sedation Managment

Membership Level Professional

Membership Level Select

Tag Delirium

Tag Psychopharmacology

Year 2023

Keywords

antipsychotic drugs

delirium

ICU patients

diagnosis

non-pharmacologic therapies

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