Acute psychomotor agitation

State of motor and psychic hyperactivity in psychotic, affective, toxicological, and other disorders. Requires acute management in inpatient or emergency settings.

ICD-10 R45.11 drug

Also known as: Acute agitation

Drugs used for this condition

AHaloperidolFirst line · First-generation antipsychotics. Butyrophenone derivativesParenteral haloperidol (IM 2.5–10 mg) is used for acute agitation in psychotic, manic, or toxicological states. Onset 20–40 minutes. APA 2020 and Russian clinical guidelines support this approach. May be combined with lorazepam or midazolam for additional sedation.

How to read tiers A–F

Evidence tiers belong to the drug-indication pair, not to the drug as a whole: the same substance can be A for one condition and F for another.

AStrong evidence – first or second line in international guidelines
BRecommended in selected cases
CStudy data contradict each other
DBenefit not proven, no documented harm
FDocumented harm, or risk without benefit