AUD/Cannabis Use Disorder Flashcards
A helpful mnemonic to remember the DSM-5 criteria for alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is HAS A PINT. Know it
Hallucinations
Autonomic hyperactivity
Seizures
Anxiety
Psychomotor agitation
Insomnia
Nausea/vomiting
Tremor of the hand
AWS symptoms peak when?
Day 2-3
What is the most serious complication of alcohol withdrawal?
Delirium tremens (DTs)
What is delirium tremens?
Severe confusion, disorientation, +/- hallucinations with clouding of global sensorium (decreased consciousness) + severe autonomic hyperactivity (tachycardia, HTN, hyperthermia, agitation, sweating)
When does delirium tremens usually begin?
How long does it last?
- Usually begins 48-96h after the last drink
- Lasts 1-5 days
What is the pathogenesis of AWS?
With chronic and regular alcohol use, GABA and alcohol depress the CNS, so the body makes up for it by upregulating glutamate. In a withdrawal state (where there is no alcohol), the upregulated glutamate overpowers the GABA alone and causes too much excitation
What are some risk factors for AWS? (5)
- ↑ quantity, frequency, and duration of alcohol use
- Previous alcohol withdrawal
- Family history of alcohol withdrawals
- Concurrent medical conditions
- e.g., electrolyte imbalance 2°dehydration - Consumption of sedatives/hypnotics/anxiolytics
- i.e. concurrent withdrawal
List some complications associated with AWS (8)
- DEATH
- Brain damage
- Prolonged hospitalization
- Delirium tremens
- Seizures
- Arrhythmias
- Aspiration
- Relapse
The most useful screening tool for predicting a patient’s risk of developing severe complications related to alcohol withdrawal is?
PAWSS (Prediction of Alcohol Withdrawal Severity Scale)
What are 3 situations in which PAWSS might be used?
- Can be used before a patient stops or reduces drinking to determine if they are at low or high risk of severe complications of AWS (e.g. seizures, delirium tremens)
- Useful to help determine level of monitoring and support required
- Could be used in emergency room setting
What are the 2 major meds used for AWS?
- BZDs
- Most commonly used - Clonidine
- Often in addition to BZDs, not typically used alone
What is the MOA of clonidine in AWS?
Suppress noradrenergic symptoms (anxiety, hypertension, tachycardia) that do not resolve with benzos
- Used for “symptomatic relief”
What are other meds to be aware of that might be used in AWS (but pretty rare) (6)
- Carbamazepine
- Gabapentin
- Baclofen
- Beta-blockers
- Haloperidol
- GHB
What is the MOA of benzos?
Bind to benzo binding site on GABA-A receptors to increase GABA binding affinity and increase the inhibitory action of GABA
Common side effects of benzos are? (4)
- Sedation
- Confusion
- Amnesia
- Psychomotor impairment
Rare side effects of benzos are? (4)
- Paradoxical reactions
- Falls
- Respiratory depression
- Pancytopenia
What scale is used in the measurement of the severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms?
CIWA (Clinical Institure Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol)
CIWA score ≥__ requires treatment
10
What are the 5 supportive care treatments for AWS?
- Thiamine
- Folate
- Multivitamin
- Electrolyte correction
- Fluids
What is the rationale behind using thiamine in AWS supportive care?
Prevent Wernicke-Korsakoff’s syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, and cardiomyopathy
What is the rationale behind using folate in AWS supportive care?
Prevent and correct anemia
What is the rationale behind using a multivitamin in AWS supportive care?
Prevent and correct micronutrient deficiency
What is the rationale behind electrolyte correction in AWS supportive care?
Prevent electrolyte imbalances and life-threatening complications (ex. arrhythmias, coma)
What is the rationale behind giving fluids in AWS supportive care?
Correct hypovolemia and dehydration from sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, fever
Benzos and concurrent alcohol use. What is the issue?
Benzos potentiate the effects of alcohol; can lead to serious safety risks, including over-sedation, falls, delirium, respiratory depression (e.g., non-fatal or fatal overdose), and prolonged hospitalization
Contraindications to using benzos include? (4)
- Severe respiratory insufficiency
- Sleep apnea
- Myasthenia gravis
- Narrow angle glaucoma
Use caution when using benzos when? (4)
- Lactose intolerance
- Liver dysfunction
- Renal impairment
- Breast feeding
What are 4 receptor modulation meds that might be used in AUD?
- Naltrexone
- Acamprosate
- Topiramate
- Gabapentin