Which drug class should be avoided in delirium because it can worsen symptoms?

Which drug class should be avoided in delirium because it can worsen symptoms?

• A. Benzodiazepines
• B. Antipsychotics
• C. Antidepressants
• D. Antihistamines

Answer: (A)

Delirium is an acute, fluctuating disruption of attention and cognition, and the medication choices should minimize further cognitive impairment. Benzodiazepines tend to depress CNS function and can worsen confusion, reduce attention, and prolong the delirium—especially in older adults. They can also cause sedation, falls, and respiratory suppression, making the delirium harder to resolve. They’re particularly risky unless there’s a clear withdrawal indication (for example, alcohol or sedative withdrawal), where their use may be necessary. In contrast, antipsychotics are often used to manage agitation or psychotic features in delirium, while antidepressants and antihistamines can contribute to delirium through anticholinergic or sedating effects. So the drug class to avoid for worsening delirium symptoms is benzodiazepines.

Delirium is an acute, fluctuating disruption of attention and cognition, and the medication choices should minimize further cognitive impairment. Benzodiazepines tend to depress CNS function and can worsen confusion, reduce attention, and prolong the delirium—especially in older adults. They can also cause sedation, falls, and respiratory suppression, making the delirium harder to resolve. They’re particularly risky unless there’s a clear withdrawal indication (for example, alcohol or sedative withdrawal), where their use may be necessary. In contrast, antipsychotics are often used to manage agitation or psychotic features in delirium, while antidepressants and antihistamines can contribute to delirium through anticholinergic or sedating effects. So the drug class to avoid for worsening delirium symptoms is benzodiazepines.