alcohol withdrawal Flashcards
what is used in the management of alcohol withdrawal
decreasing doses of long-acting benzodiazepines
first-line: long-acting benzodiazepines e.g. chlordiazepoxide or diazepam
what can be used as an unlternative to benodiazepines in patients with heart failure
Lorazepam may be preferable in patients with hepatic failure. Typically given as part of a reducing dose protocol
carbamazepine also effective in treatment of alcohol withdrawal
phenytoin is said not to be as effective in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal seizures
chronic alcohol consumption enhances GABA mediated inhibition in the CNS ( same as benzodiazepams) and inhibits NMDA-type glutamate receptors
alcohol withdrawal is thought to be lead to the opposite (decreased inhibitory GABA and increased NMDA glutamate transmission)
when does alcohol withdrawal start
what symptoms can you seize
Features
symptoms start at 6-12 hours: tremor, sweating, tachycardia, anxiety
peak incidence of seizures at 36 hours
peak incidence of delirium tremens is at 48-72 hours: coarse tremor, confusion, delusions, auditory and visual hallucinations, fever, tachycardia
when do we use benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are a type of sedative medication. This means they slow down the body and brain’s functions. They can be used to help with anxiety and insomnia (difficult getting to sleep or staying asleep).
