Which medication is a benzodiazepine used in delirium management?

Which medication is a benzodiazepine used in delirium management?

• A. Lorazepam
• B. Risperidone
• C. Ramelteon
• D. Dexmedetomidine

Answer: (A)

Benzodiazepines work by enhancing GABA, the brain’s main inhibitory system, producing calming and sedative effects that help quickly control severe agitation. Their role in delirium is most appropriate when delirium is due to withdrawal, such as alcohol withdrawal, where rapid relief of agitation and prevention of seizures are needed. Lorazepam is commonly used for this purpose because it acts quickly and can be given IV or IM for fast control, and it has relatively few active metabolites, making it safer in older adults or those with liver concerns. The other drugs listed are not benzodiazepines: risperidone is an antipsychotic used for agitation in delirium when pharmacologic management is needed; ramelteon is a melatonin receptor agonist used to aid sleep; dexmedetomidine is an alpha-2 agonist sedative used in ICU settings. Thus, lorazepam is the benzodiazepine most appropriate for delirium management in the withdrawal-related context.

Benzodiazepines work by enhancing GABA, the brain’s main inhibitory system, producing calming and sedative effects that help quickly control severe agitation. Their role in delirium is most appropriate when delirium is due to withdrawal, such as alcohol withdrawal, where rapid relief of agitation and prevention of seizures are needed. Lorazepam is commonly used for this purpose because it acts quickly and can be given IV or IM for fast control, and it has relatively few active metabolites, making it safer in older adults or those with liver concerns. The other drugs listed are not benzodiazepines: risperidone is an antipsychotic used for agitation in delirium when pharmacologic management is needed; ramelteon is a melatonin receptor agonist used to aid sleep; dexmedetomidine is an alpha-2 agonist sedative used in ICU settings. Thus, lorazepam is the benzodiazepine most appropriate for delirium management in the withdrawal-related context.