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Rapid tranquillisation: are we getting it right?

Department of Psychiatry, University College Hospital, Galway, Ireland

Darina Sloan, Senior Registrar in Psychiatry

St Vincent's Hospital, Fairview, Dublin

Louise Connolly, Registrar

Cluain Mhuire Family Centre, Blackrock, Dublin, Ireland

^* Correspondence

Trainees in psychiatry frequently employ rapid tranquillisation (RT) measures. In this study we surveyed trainees as to RT regimes used. We found that a variety of drugs were chosen. On 45 (46%) occasions one drug was used, on 53 (54%) a combination. Drugs were administered in intramuscular form in 88 (90%) incidents. Zuclopenthixol acetate was prescribed on a total of 45 (46%) occasions. In 38 (39%) incidents the trainee used a high-dose regime. The literature regarding RT indicates inconsistency in practice. We address the reasons for this and make suggestions as to possible improvement in practice.