Alcohol Withdrawal Flashcards
1
Q
What is the physiology of alcohol withdrawal?
A
-
Chronic alcohol consumption:
- Mimics GABA and thus depresses the CNS (similar to benzodiazepines)
- Inhibits NMDA-type glutamate receptors - the main excitatory receptors.
-
Alcohol withdrawal:
- Decreased inhibitory GABA.
- Increased NMDA glutamate transmission - leading to uncontrolled CNS excitation.
2
Q
When do symptoms start?
A
6-12 hours
3
Q
When is the peak incidence in seizures?
A
36 hours
4
Q
When is the preak incidence of delerium tremens?
A
72 hours
5
Q
How is it managed?
A
- Benzodiazepines (Chlordiazepoxide)
- Carbamazepine also effective in treatment of alcohol withdrawal
