Use of benzodiazepines to control disruptive behavior in inpatients.

The author reviews prior evidence and presents data from his prospective study comparing intramuscular lorazepam with intramuscular haloperidol for control of extreme, agitated psychotic behavior; the data demonstrate that lorazepam is effective and has fewer side effects than haloperidol. The effective intramuscular dose is 1 to 2 mg in conjunction with ongoing neuroleptic antipsychotic treatment. Lorazepam does not prevent future disruptive behavior, and data do not support its use as an agent for maintenance therapy.