Which option lists two drugs used for acute agitation treatment?

• A. Clozapine
• B. Haloperidol
• C. Paliperidone
• D. Olanzapine, ziprasidone

Answer: (D)

Acute agitation is often managed with rapid tranquilization using antipsychotics that can be given by injection. Olanzapine and ziprasidone each have injectable forms that work quickly to calm agitation and reduce aggression, making them common choices in emergency or inpatient settings. They provide antipsychotic effects with a lower risk of extrapyramidal symptoms compared with older, typical antipsychotics. Olanzapine can be given intramuscularly for fast sedation, and ziprasidone also has an intramuscular option for rapid control of agitation, with monitoring for QT interval. Clozapine is not used for acute agitation due to slow onset and safety concerns like agranulocytosis; haloperidol is used for rapid tranquilization but is a typical antipsychotic and not part of this preferred injectable pair. Paliperidone is more often used for maintenance and has less routine use for immediate agitation.