The Reversal of Anticholinergic Drug-Induced Delirium and Coma with Physostigmine

¹ Staff Psychiatrist, U. S. Naval Hospital, Oakland, Calif. 94627
² Clinical Associate, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Md. 20014

Although its use for this purpose is not well recognized, physostigmine provides an effective and safe treatment for delirium and coma caused by anticholinergic agents such as atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine. The authors summarize the supporting evidence and outline a recommended procedure.

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