About Alcohol Withdrawal Treatments

More so than many other drugs, alcohol dependence can induce an incredibly dangerous and potentially lethal withdrawal, characterized by agitation, sleep disturbance, tremors, seizures and even hallucinations. Full blown delirium tremens has a 20 percent fatality rate and should be treated immediately.

Benzodiazepine

• Benzodiazepine can be used to tranquilize the body to counteract the agitation, trembling and seizures brought on by alcohol withdrawal. These drugs may be administered intravenously at the outset of the withdrawal, or orally, for no longer than 2 weeks.

Benzo Side Effects

• Hangover symptoms, drowsiness and weight gain are unpleasant side effects, but combining benzodiazepine with alcohol or overdosing can be very dangerous and even fatal.

Anti-Seizure Medications

• Drugs like carbamazepine or divalproex sodium are specifically targeted to reduce the potential for seizures and help decrease the dose of benzodiazepine necessary to ward of the dangerous effects of alcohol withdrawal.

Beta-Blockers

• In conjunction with Benzodiazepine, beta-blockers like propranolol and atenolol can be used to minimize tremors and slow down the heartbeat.

Anti-Psychotic Drugs

• Alcohol withdrawal can induce hallucinations which may require treatment with anti-psychotics like haloperidol.

Considerations

• Although technically alcohol itself reduces alcohol withdrawal, when other options are available, this treatment is strongly discouraged.