Managing Agitated Delirium With Neuroleptics and Anti-Epileptics as a Neuroleptic Sparing Strategy
To examine the effects of haloperidol, chlorpromazine, valproic acid and placebo, in conjunction with standardized non-pharmacologic interventions, in the first line treatment of agitated delirium in hospitalized patients with cancer. This double-blind, randomized clinical trial aims to provide evidence on various therapeutic options for palliating delirium, thereby reducing delirium-related distress and ultimately alleviating suffering.
• \[Patients\] Diagnosis of advanced cancer (defined as locally advanced, metastatic recurrent, or incurable disease)
• \[Patients\] Seen by palliative care inpatient consultation team
• \[Patients\] Delirium as per DSM-5 criteria
• \[Patients\] Hyperactive or mixed delirium with either a rescue medication order or any non-pharmacologic measures (e.g. sitter, restraints) for agitation, restlessness, or delirium
• \[Patients\] Age 18 years or older
• \[Patients\] Permission from clinician from primary team to enroll
• \[Family Caregivers\] Patient's spouse, adult child, sibling, parent, other relative, or significant other (defined by the patient as a partner)
• \[Family Caregivers\] Age 18 years or older