haldol

[sassyann85]

It seems haldol and ativan are commonly given together. In what instances have you used ONLY prn haldol without the ativan.

Also, if a patient gets, say daily zyprexa as a standing order but also has prn haldol and prn ativan and they become agitated, how soon after administering their zyprexa would it be ok/apprpriate to give the prn haldol?

Thanks!

[Yosemite, RN, ASN, EMT-I]

Haldol 10mg, Ativan 2mg, Benadryl 50mg -IM! A "B-52!" I haven't done psych nursing in about 3 years or so, but I remember that well!

But, to answer your question, since "Peak plasma time: 6 hr. (PO); 15-45 min (short-acting IM) with the Half-life: 21-54 hr. (immediate release)" -per Medscape... and assuming renal and intestinal functions were normal, I'd likely wait about 45 minutes unless it was a full blown "psychiatric emergency."

Of course, if the recipient is exhibiting more Axis II behavior than psychosis or delusional behavior, a "blunt" needle is in order!

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

I'll give PRN Haldol without the accompanying Ativan if the patient is experiencing symptoms of psychosis that aren't severe and their behavior is calm and/or appropriate. What I'll usually do is offer the patient the Ativan along with the Haldol and let the patient decide if they want it. Most request the Ativan along with the Haldol.

[Umberlee]

I typically see the haldol only given when the patient has a history of addiction.

[psychRNmom2]

Typically the only time we have given IM Haldol without IM Loraz is when we have an order to treat and the pt is refusing oral antipsychotics. Usually though when we are giving IM Haldol, it is an emergency and they need an additional sedative like Loraz to calm them down.