Rapid tranquilization: the efficacy of oral concentrate.

The efficacy of oral concentrate in the rapid tranquilization of 159 acutely disturbed patients in a psychiatric emergency service was evaluated. Patients were randomly assigned to 1 of 10 treatment groups: 7 oral groups and 3 comparison intramuscular groups. Although intramuscular medication produced a faster response, concentrate also proved to be effective for rapid tranquilization. Side effects were benign and minimal. Age, sex, race, and diagnosis had no effect on outcome. The use of concentrate as a paradigm for treating acutely psychotic patients is discussed.