Journal of pain and symptom management
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Mar 1999
Case ReportsComplicated delirium in a cancer patient successfully treated with olanzapine.
Delirium is common among cancer patients, especially those with advanced disease. Typical treatment involves addressing the underlying cause if possible; eliminating nonessential and/or other drugs that can worsen confusion, manipulating the environment; and administering antipsychotic drugs to control symptoms and agitated behavior, and attempt to clear the patient's sensorium. The newer atypical antipsychotics may have potential in the treatment of delirium and also have the added benefit of causing less akithisia and other extrapyramidal side effects. ⋯ The dose was titrated up to 10 mg nightly with 2.5 mg as needed during the day. After 3 days on this regimen, the patient's mental status exam was normal and she was discharged home. We discuss the potential utility of this atypical antipsychotic in the palliative care setting.