Many patients with advanced cancer are significantly impacted by agitated delirium, but there are conflicting results on treating this condition with medication. To provide insights, David Hui, M.D., and colleagues examined the effects of different medications on treating delirium in 111 patients with advanced cancers.
The researchers examined patient responses to haloperidol and lorazepam – both separately and combined – compared to a placebo, with patients receiving scheduled doses every four hours. Follow-up results show that lorazepam, alone or with haloperidol, significantly reduced agitation more than haloperidol alone or a placebo. Patients treated with lorazepam separately or in combination with haloperidol also required fewer extra doses to calm breakthrough agitation. These findings suggest that lorazepam may be a more effective option for managing agitation in patients with advanced cancer.