Alcohol Cessation Medications Flashcards
Two issues with Alcohol Cessation Medications
Facilitating withdrawal
Maintaining abstinence
What does glutamate do to neurons?
Speeds them up
What does GABA do to neurons?
Slows them down
When does alcohol withdrawal begin?
Within hours of last drink
What are symptoms of alcohol withdrawal?
Nausea Vomiting Tremors Insomnia Depressed mood Irritability Increased vital signs Tonic-clonic seizure Illusion
When does delirium tremens begin?
2-3 days after last drink
How rare is delirium tremens?
Occurs in less than 5% of alcoholics
What are symptoms of delirium tremens?
Severe disorientation
Hallucinations
Severe hypertension
Cardiac dysrhythmias
How do we facilitate safe withdrawal?
Substitution therapy
Common Alcohol Cessation Medications
Chlordiazepoxide
Diazepam
Lorazepam
Seizure Precautions
Pad the bedrails
Have suction and O2 ready
Common Abstinence Medications
Disulfiram
Naltrexone
Disulfiram symptoms
Nausea Vomiting Sweating Headache Palpitation Hypotension Stays in system for 2 weeks Watch for hidden alcohol
Naltrexone
Opioid antagonist
Reduces cravings
Reduces the “buzz”
(Bacon less desirable)
