Which medication is known for its use as a last resort intervention when a patient poses an immediate danger?

Haloperidol is often utilized as a last-resort intervention for patients exhibiting severe agitation or posing an immediate danger to themselves or others. This first-generation antipsychotic has rapid onset of action and can effectively reduce aggressive behaviors, making it valuable in acute psychiatric settings, such as emergency departments or during psychiatric crises.

The mechanism of action of haloperidol involves dopamine receptor antagonism, which helps in mitigating psychotic symptoms and agitation. Its efficacy in short-term management of acute mental health episodes reinforces its role, especially in environments where quick intervention is necessary to maintain safety.

In contrast, while clozapine and risperidone are effective antipsychotics, they are typically considered for longer-term management of psychosis and are not usually first-line choices in acute, high-risk situations due to their side effect profiles and the need for monitoring. Ziprasidone, although an atypical antipsychotic with a favorable side effect profile, is often not the immediate choice for rapid sedation in an emergency due to its slightly slower onset compared to haloperidol.