Quetiapine to assist weaning a ventilated patient with severe anxiety: A case report

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic presented the challenge of long-term ventilation and weaning, especially in the setting of anxiety and other mental illness symptoms. Although sedatives typically are used for patient comfort during ventilation, quetiapine can be an alternative option to combat anxiety during ventilation which can prolong the weaning process. In this case, the use of quetiapine dosed at 25 mg twice a day and 12.5 mg every eight hours allowed the patient's anxiety to abate resulting in successful tracheostomy decannulation. This regimen continues to be relevant with the continued presence of COVID-19 in communities and the increased awareness for improved preparation for future respiratory viral pandemics.