Treatment of acute excited psychosis with intramuscular haloperidol.

Haloperidol (Haldol) is useful in the management of acutely psychotic patients who present with excited behavior which threatens their safety and the safety of others. The use of haloperidol allows rapid control of psychotic behavior with minimal risk of hypotension and avoidance of the excessive sedation associated with other antipsychotics. This article summarizes the rationale, indications, goals and treatment techniques of rapid treatment with intramuscular haloperidol. Major side effects and their management are discussed.