Special Population: Persons with Medical Illnesses

Drugs That Have Psychiatric Symptoms as Side Effects:

Medication

Behavioral Side Effects

Steroids

Euphoria, Hypomania, Depression, Psychosis

Anti-Inflammatory Agents

Confusion, Psychosis, Depression

Benadryl, Over-the-Counter Cold Meds

Confusion, Disorientation, Agitation

Antihypertensives, Diuretics

Depression, Confusion

Digitalis

Depression, Visual Hallucinations, Confusion

Propanolol Inderol

Nightmares, Hallucinations

Hypoglycemic Agents

Hallucinations, Confusion

Note: If not familiar with the drug class of a particular drug, the crisis worker should ask the recipient what the drug is for and/or call a pharmacist to consult on a particular drug and its possible side effects. It is also useful to crisis responders to carry a simple drug reference book to look up unfamiliar medications.

In addition, there are several disorders to keep in mind because they cause disturbances in the body’s electrolyte balance (sodium, potassium, chloride), and can cause both psychiatric and medical emergencies.