A Textbook of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics

BEHAVIOURALEMERGENCIES 115

a vailability of flumazenilif (particularly i.v.) benzodiazepines

are used.

FURTHER READING

Anon. Which atypical antipsychotic for schizophrenia? Drugs and

Therapeutics Bulletin2004; 42 : 57–60.

Freedman R. Drug therapy: schizophrenia. New England Journal of

Medicine2003; 334 : 1738–49.

Oral medication, especially in liquid form, is the
preferred mode of administration, if the patient will accept
it, but intramuscular or intravenous routes may have to
be used.
Antipsychotics, such as chlorpromazineshould be avoided
in alcohol withdrawal states, in alcoholics or in those depend-
ent on benzodiazepines because of the risk of causing fits.
Ensure resuscitation facilities including those for mechan-
ical ventilation are available. Many centres insist on the