Benzodiazepines delirium tremens

Side effects of benzodiazepines include drowsiness and reduced respiratory function. In patients who are severely medically ill, especially those with lung disease, this side effect can be problematic. However, benzodiazepines are much safer in this regard than their predecessors, the barbiturates, and untreated delirium tremens, the most severe form of alcohol withdrawal, can be fatal. 

The withdrawal syndrome from ethanol includes anxiety, insomnia, possibly convulsions and visual hallucinations (delirium tremens - the Dts). It is treated or better still prevented by a calm environment, adequate (but not excessive) hydration, and careful monitoring, with the added use of anticon-vulsive/sedative agents, mainly benzodiazepines to prevent or treat convulsions. The preventive effects of benzodiazepines on withdrawal morbidity has been clearly demonstrated. There do not seem to be major differences between benzodiazepines, such as chlordiazepoxide or diazepam or others. Because of the abuse potential in these highly susceptible patients, these should be rapidly weaned, and proper prevention of relapse instituted. Other drugs such as meprobamate and clomethiazole (Hemineurin) are commonly used in some countries. The effectiveness... 

Patients with mild symptoms of alcohol withdrawal do not generally require medication therapy. Benzodiazepines, like diazepam or alprazolam, are the treatment of choice for patients with severe alcohol withdrawal syndromes like delirium tremens. Barbiturates can also be used for this disorder, but are often less prescribed because they are not as safe as benzodiazepines. Both barbiturates and benzodiazepines are effective in treating the anxiety, tremor, insomnia, and hand tremors associated with delirium tremens. 

Tou can get drunk on them I benzodiazepines and other minor tranquilizersi you can become addicted to them and you can suffer delirium tremens when they are withdrawn. ° (Brcchcr, 1972)... 

Systematic reviews A systematic review has been conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine in treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome [108 ]. The authors concluded that trials have provided inconclusive evidence of the efficacy of carbamazepine in preventing alcohol withdrawal seizures and delirium tremens in comparison with benzodiazepines, which remain the primary treatment of moderate-to-severe alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Adverse reactions were not a major problem. 

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