What is rapid tranquilization?

It is the use of medication to calm a patient who is acutely disturbed and is at risk of self-harming or harming others. It should only be used when other appropriate methods, such as psychological or behavioural approaches, have been tried. Physical methods such as restraining the patient are commonly used but are not without risk, and can result in fatality. The type of medication used for rapid tranquillisation should be quick acting, short duration and not cause over-sedation. Oral administration is safer, and recommended in preference to injections for this reason. However, injection is usually quicker acting and may be the only effective method if the patient refuses oral medication.

In the UK, there is an evidence based clinical guideline in "NICE guidance on Violence" which deals with rapid tranquillisation which is available online.