Drowsiness

Causes

• Medication side effects especially with opioids and benzodiazepines
• Delirium
• Raised intracranial pressure
• Post ictal
• Metabolic abnormalities
• Fatigue/insomnia
• Psychological withdrawal

Drug treatment

• Should be used alongside reassurance and explanation as can be distressing for friends and family
• Review/stop causative drugs
• Treatment of identified causes
• Dexamethasone may act as a stimulant
• Methylphenidate may be used short term under specialist supervision