Tag: Delirium

Over the past two decades, intensive care unit (ICU) sedation practices have undergone a significant transformation, with guidelines now recommending a shift away from routine deep sedation toward a more individualized approach. The question of what is the drug of choice for sedation in ICU no longer has a single answer, but depends on the patient's specific clinical needs, desired level of consciousness, and potential for side effects.

Medications are the most common reversible cause of delirium, especially in older adults. Understanding which drugs cause altered mental status is critical for patient safety, as this can manifest as confusion, agitation, or hallucinations.

Case reports show that even therapeutic doses of pregabalin can lead to serious cognitive side effects [1.2.1]. The question for many patients and clinicians is, **does pregabalin cause delirium**, and what are the risk factors involved in this rare but serious adverse reaction?

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are a significant cause of morbidity, with some studies estimating they cause over 106,000 deaths annually in hospitalized patients [1.7.1]. A common and distressing ADR is confusion and disorientation. But **what medication makes you disoriented?** Several classes, from common over-the-counter antihistamines to prescription painkillers, can impact cognitive function.

While first-generation antihistamines like Benadryl are well-known for their potential to cause confusion and delirium, research and case reports have explored the question: Can Zyrtec cause delirium? Zyrtec (cetirizine), a second-generation antihistamine, is generally considered safer, but rare cases of CNS-related side effects, including delirium, have been documented, especially under specific conditions.

Approximately 70% of ICU patients experience delirium, making it a common and serious medical concern. When considering what is the best medication for delirium, experts emphasize that pharmacological options are primarily used to manage severe symptoms, such as agitation or hallucinations, and are not a cure for the underlying condition.

Derived from the deadly nightshade plant, atropine's effects extend beyond its well-known peripheral actions to impact the central nervous system significantly. Atropine is a tertiary amine that readily crosses the blood-brain barrier, making its administration a critical factor in determining its neurological effects.

Case reports show that even standard doses of atropine, particularly via systemic absorption from eye drops, can trigger central anticholinergic syndrome and psychiatric symptoms. This occurs because atropine crosses the blood-brain barrier, explaining precisely how does atropine cause psychosis through its anticholinergic properties.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the drug label for famotidine explicitly warns of potential central nervous system (CNS) adverse reactions, including confusion. Although relatively uncommon, famotidine-associated confusion can occur, especially in vulnerable populations such as the elderly or those with underlying health conditions.

Unlike the euphoric, mind-expanding effects commonly associated with psychedelics, a deliriant is a substance that induces a state of profound confusion, agitation, and realistic, often terrifying hallucinations. Historically utilized in various cultural rituals and folklore, these substances are now recognized for their unpredictable, dangerous effects and are considered the least desirable of the hallucinogens for recreational use.