Ziprasidone vs Standard Therapy for Agitated Patients in the ED

Prospective Double Blind Randomized Trial of Intramuscular Ziprasidone Compared With Standard Antipsychotic Therapy For The Treatment Of The Acutely Agitated Patient In The Emergency Department

The primary objective is to determine if ziprasidone is superior to standard therapies in the emergency department treatment of the acutely agitated patient. The primary outcome will be the length of time taken until the patient is ready to be evaluated by the psychiatric service, or until a disposition is made.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Acutely agitated
• Requires chemical sedation

Exclusion Criteria:

• Physician preference for a specific chemical sedative
• Known allergy to any study medications