Important considerations with delirium medications

Medications for delirium treatment have the potential to worsen delirium and they should only be used if the risk of self harm is greater than the risk from treatment with the medication.


Check your local prescribing information and consider the specific patient population (eg, low doses may be required for Asian patients). Antipsychotic agents can increase the risk of falls, cause hypotension, and increase the risk of stroke or sudden cardiac death (via QT-prolongation) so potential risk versus benefit should be considered. This app shows a selection of medications, and contraindications and pharmacological interactions must always be considered. If higher doses are needed or considered, this should be discussed with a geriatrician or psychiatrist if possible.