Am J Psychiatry 1979; 136:273-278
Copyright © 1979 by American Psychiatric Association
Overview: efficacy and safety of the rapid neuroleptization method with injectable haloperidol
PT Donlon, J Hopkin and JP Tupin
The authors review the literature on the rapid neuroleptization (titration)
method with I.M. haloperidol. Most of the approximately 650 predominantly
schizophrenic and manic patients represented in the studies calmed down
rapidly on medication, and some demonstrated an early reduction in core
psychotic symptoms. The initial doses varied widely, ranging from 1 to 30
mg, with a maximum total daily dosage of 100 mg. The medication seemed to
have been well tolerated in all cases, with no reported major
complications. The authors conclude that the method shows definite merit
with agitated and belligerent patients. However, they make a number of
specific recommendations for further research to clearly establish the
effectiveness and safety of this method of neuroleptic administration.
