Agitation in the patient with dual pathology

Abstract

Introduction

The consumption of toxic substances often causes agitation, which makes more difficult the pharmacological management of the symptoms.

Objective

About one case, a search was performed of the different therapeutic options in the agitation takes place in the context of intoxication.

Methods

Thirty-five-year-old male patient diagnosed of dual pathology under treatment since 2003 in our outpatient. The patient shows paranoid schizophrenia disorder due to alcohol, cannabis and cocaine use disorder, summing up different pharmacological treatments with no remission. Whilst the examination is taking place the patient is under alcohol and cannabis effects. His physical and verbal behaviour are aggressive showing psychotic instability. The therapeutic team administers loxapine to its patient.

Results

The inhaled loxapine turned out to be a good alternative in the case given.

Conclusion

Handling agitation when toxics are involved is complex. The new formulation of inhaled loxapine helps to control agitation quickly and it might be a feasible option for this kind of patients.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.