Anticonvulsants withdrawal from

Actions at benzodiazepine receptors are thought to underlie virtually all the pharmacological actions of the benzodiazepines, those that are desirable as well as those that are undesirable. This includes the desirable therapeutic actions of benzodiazepines as anxiolytics and sedative-hypnotics, as well as anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants. It also includes their undesirable side effects as amnestic agents and as agents that cause adaptations at the benzodiazepine receptor with chronic administration, which are thought to underlie the production of dependence and withdrawal from these agents (see Chapter 13). 

ANTICONVULSANT, HYPNOTIC and SEDATIVE properties. It is used in some countries as a hypnotic in the elderly, for preoperative medication and in the managment of withdrawal from alcohol. 

Clomethiazole has sedative, muscle relaxant, and anticonvulsant properties. It is used outside the U. S. for hypnosis in elderly and institutionalized patients, for preanesthetic sedation, and especially in the management of withdrawal from ethanol. Given alone, its effects on respiration are slight, and the therapeutic index is high. However, deaths from adverse interactions with ethanol are relatively frequent. 

Clomethiazole is commonly used to treat withdrawal from alcohol because of its hypnotic, anxiolytic and anticonvulsant effects. It is very effective if a rapidly reducing dosage regimen is followed over six days, but if it is used long-term and drinking continues it carries several serious risks. 

Detoxification, as mentioned in Chapter 2, may involve the use of certain medications to prevent severe discomfort or even possible medical side effects related to withdrawal symptoms. These medicines can range from tranquilizers (often benzodiazepines) and antidepressants to anticonvulsives and antihypertensives, and the medical protocol for detox will depend on the drug or drugs being abused, the client s vital signs and other symptoms, and the known risk for certain withdrawal symptoms associated with the drugs being used. The duration... 

Anticonvulsants such as valproate and CBZ are effective mood-stabilizing agents and may be useful in withdrawal states from alcohol, BZDs, and cocaine... 

Carbamazepine (brand name Tegretol) Originally developed as an anticonvulsant medication. It is used along with other medications such as valproic acid (Depakote or Depakene) to treat individuals suffering from some type of mood disorder (acute mania and bipolar disorders). It is thought to retard the electrochemical process in the nervous system that can set off either convulsions or manic episodes. Also used to treat alcohol withdrawal, cocaine addiction, and emotional disorders. 

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