Table 7.

General recommendations in managing agitation

Initial attempts should identify the most likely cause of agitation and establish a provisional diagnosis and specific medication for the diagnosed cause/condition. Medications as restraint can be discouraged initially before arriving at any provisional diagnosis

Nonpharmacologic methods of interventions should be considered. Environmental modifications to reduce stimulation (low lighting, quiet room) and verbal de-escalation have to be considered, if possible, before medications

Medications sold calm the patient rather than induce sleep

Patient should be kept in the loop of proceedings, even if the patient is agitated. E.g., convey the need for restraints, choice of medication, selection of room/ward, check for preference of route of medicine administration, duration of conditions, etc.

If the patient is cooperative to take oral medicines, then oral medication can be preferred based on resources available for managing any acute exacerbation