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Fluyau D, Kailasam VK, Pierre CG. Beyond benzodiazepines: a meta-analysis and narrative synthesis of the efficacy and safety of alternative options for alcohol withdrawal syndrome management. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2023; 79:1147-1157. [PMID: 37380897 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-023-03523-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare the efficacy and safety of non-benzodiazepines (non-BZDs) to benzodiazepines (BZDs) in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS). METHODS For relevant literature, Google Scholar, PubMed, Embase, OVID MEDLINE, EBSCO, Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched. Randomized control trials (RCTs) were included, omitted were nonblinded trials, blinded trials that were not randomized, and open-label studies. The Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment was used to assess the trial's quality. A meta-analysis and a narrative synthesis were carried out. RESULTS Twenty non-BZDs and five BZDs were investigated in thirty RCTs. Meta-analysis favored gabapentin over chlordiazepoxide and lorazepam (d = 0.563, p < 0.001) and carbamazepine over oxazepam and lorazepam (d = 0.376, p = 0.029), for reducing Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol-Revised (CIWA-Ar) scale scores. Eleven non-BZDs fared better than BZDs for reducing CIWA-Ar, Total Severity Assessment, Selective Severity Assessment, Borg and Weinholdt, and Gross Rating Scale for Alcohol Withdrawal scores. Eight non-BZDs outmatched BZDs regarding autonomic, motor, awareness, and psychiatric symptoms. Sedation and fatigue were prevalent in BZDs, while seizures were prevalent in non-BZDs. CONCLUSION For AWS treatments, non-BZDs are superior to or equally effective as BZDs. Non-BZD adverse events warrant further investigation. Agents that inhibit gated ion channels are promising candidates. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42022384875.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimy Fluyau
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, 1600 SW Archer Rd, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
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Fluyau D, Cook SC, Chima A, Kailasam VK, Revadigar N. Pharmacological management of psychoactive substance withdrawal syndrome. DRUGS & THERAPY PERSPECTIVES 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s40267-021-00874-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Ghosh A, Mahintamani T, Choudhury S, Sharma N, Das S. The Effectiveness of Non-Benzodiazepine, Non-Barbiturate Medications for Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome: A Rapid Systematic Review. Alcohol Alcohol 2021; 56:513-534. [PMID: 33264386 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agaa125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM There are potential clinical, ethical and legal concerns with overdosing benzodiazepines (or barbiturates) for the treatment of moderate to severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms (AWS) through telemedicine or ambulatory outpatients. A rapid systematic review to (a) qualitatively summarize the non-benzodiazepine treatment alternatives, (b) evaluate the quality of evidence for the same to effectively manage moderate to severe AWS. METHODS We conducted searches on PubMed (January 1990 to 31 March 2020), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Google Scholar. We selected the English language randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the efficacy and adverse effects of non-benzodiazepine and non-barbiturate medications among adults with a diagnosis of AWS. Data extraction was done in a predefined format. Risk of bias (RoB) assessment and qualitative synthesis of evidence was done with the RoB2 tool and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) proGDT. RESULTS Thirty-four RCTs were included. Gabapentin (n = 6), carbamazepine (n = 5), baclofen (n = 5), valproate (n = 3), clonidine/lofexidine (n = 3) and acamprosate (n = 2) had more than one trial with a particular comparison group. Four studies were found to have a low ROB. The GRADE evidence summary showed gabapentin had a 'moderate' level of evidence against standard benzodiazepine treatments for reducing the severity of AWS. The level of certainty was 'low' for carbamazepine, baclofen and valproate and 'very low' for acamprosate and clonidine/lofexidine. Reported adverse events between these alternative medications and benzodiazepines or placebo were generally unremarkable. CONCLUSIONS Although benzodiazepines remain the treatment of choice for AWS, during particular circumstances, gabapentin could be an alternative although like benzodiazepines is not without risk when used in the community. Future RCTs must aim to improve upon the quality of evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Ghosh
- Drug De-addiction and Treatment Centre, Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Madhya Marg, Sector 12 Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Tathagata Mahintamani
- Drug De-addiction and Treatment Centre, Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Madhya Marg, Sector 12 Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Shinjini Choudhury
- Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Virbhadra Road Shivaji Nagar, near Barrage, Sturida Colony, Rishikesh 249203, India
| | - Nidhi Sharma
- Department of Psychiatry, Indira Gandhi Medical College & Hospital, Ridge Sanjauli Rd, Lakkar Bazar, Shimla 171001, India
| | - Sauvik Das
- Drug De-addiction and Treatment Centre, Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Madhya Marg, Sector 12 Chandigarh 160012, India
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Campanella S, Schroder E, Kajosch H, Noel X, Kornreich C. Why cognitive event-related potentials (ERPs) should have a role in the management of alcohol disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 106:234-244. [PMID: 29936112 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol dependence is currently one of the most serious public health problems. Indeed, 3-8% of all deaths worldwide are attributable to effects of alcohol consumption. Although the first step in alcohol dependence treatment is straightforward, the main problem for clinicians lies with the prevention of relapse, as 40-70% of patients who only undergo psychosocial therapy resume alcohol use within a year following treatment. This review of the literature regarding event-related potentials (ERPs) is focused on two major neurocognitive factors that partially account for the inability of many alcoholics to remain abstinent: attentional biases towards alcohol-related stimuli that increase the urge to drink, and impaired response inhibition towards these cues that makes it more difficult for alcoholics to resist the temptation to drink. On this basis, we propose new research avenues to better implement ERPs in the management of alcohol disorders, according to four main directions that relate to (1) the development of ERP serial recordings; (2) the promotion of a multi-component ERP approach; (3) the definition of multi-site guidelines; and (4) the use of more representative laboratory situations through the use of more compelling environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Campanella
- Laboratoire de Psychologie Médicale et d'Addictologie, ULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI), CHU Brugmann-Université Libre de Bruxelles (U.L.B.), Belgium.
| | - Elisa Schroder
- Laboratoire de Psychologie Médicale et d'Addictologie, ULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI), CHU Brugmann-Université Libre de Bruxelles (U.L.B.), Belgium
| | - Hendrik Kajosch
- Laboratoire de Psychologie Médicale et d'Addictologie, ULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI), CHU Brugmann-Université Libre de Bruxelles (U.L.B.), Belgium
| | - Xavier Noel
- Laboratoire de Psychologie Médicale et d'Addictologie, ULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI), CHU Brugmann-Université Libre de Bruxelles (U.L.B.), Belgium
| | - Charles Kornreich
- Laboratoire de Psychologie Médicale et d'Addictologie, ULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI), CHU Brugmann-Université Libre de Bruxelles (U.L.B.), Belgium
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Kleczkowska P, Smaga I, Filip M, Bujalska-Zadrozny M. Are Alcohol Anti-relapsing and Alcohol Withdrawal Drugs Useful in Cannabinoid Users? Neurotox Res 2016; 30:698-714. [PMID: 27484692 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-016-9655-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2016] [Revised: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoids are still classified as illegal psychoactive drugs despite their broad and increasingly acknowledged therapeutic potential. These substances are most famous for their wide recreational use, particularly among young adults to either alter the state of consciousness, intensify pleasure induced by other psychoactive substances or as an alternative to the previously abused drugs. It is important to emphasize that cannabinoids are often taken together with a variety of medications intended for the treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD) or alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS). These medications include disulfiram, acamprosate, and naltrexone. In this paper, we summarize recent advances in the knowledge of possible beneficial effects and interactions between cannabinoids and drugs commonly used for treatment of AUD and AWS either comorbid or existing as a separate disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrycja Kleczkowska
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology, Medical University of Warsaw, 1B Banacha Str, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Irena Smaga
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Medyczna 9, 30-688, Kraków, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Filip
- Laboratory of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Magdalena Bujalska-Zadrozny
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology, Medical University of Warsaw, 1B Banacha Str, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland
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Brotherton AL, Hamilton EP, Kloss HG, Hammond DA. Propofol for Treatment of Refractory Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome: A Review of the Literature. Pharmacotherapy 2016; 36:433-42. [DOI: 10.1002/phar.1726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amy L. Brotherton
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Medical Center; Little Rock Arkansas
| | - Eric P. Hamilton
- Department of Pharmacy Practice; University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Pharmacy; Little Rock Arkansas
| | - H. Grace Kloss
- Department of Pharmacy Practice; University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Pharmacy; Little Rock Arkansas
| | - Drayton A. Hammond
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Medical Center; Little Rock Arkansas
- Department of Pharmacy Practice; University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Pharmacy; Little Rock Arkansas
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Abstract
This article reviews the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndromes in the intensive care unit as well as the literature on the optimal pharmacologic strategies for treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndromes in the critically ill. Treatment of alcohol withdrawal in the intensive care unit mirrors that of the general acute care wards and detoxification centers. In addition to adequate supportive care, benzodiazepines administered in a symptom-triggered fashion, guided by the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment of Alcohol scale, revised (CIWA-Ar), still seem to be the optimal strategy in the intensive care unit. In cases of benzodiazepine resistance, numerous options are available, including high individual doses of benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and propofol. Intensivists should be familiar with the diagnosis and treatment strategies for alcohol withdrawal syndromes in the intensive care unit.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol abuse and dependence represents a serious health problem worldwide with social, interpersonal and legal interpolations. Benzodiazepines have been widely used for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Moreover it is unknown whether different benzodiazepines and different regimens of administration may have the same merits. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of benzodiazepines in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal. SEARCH STRATEGY Cochrane Drugs and Alcohol Group' Register of Trials (December 2009), PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL (January 1966 to December 2009), EconLIT (1969 to December 2009). Parallel searches on web sites of health technology assessment and related agencies, and their databases. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomized controlled trials examining effectiveness, safety and risk-benefit of benzodiazepines in comparison with placebo or other pharmacological treatment and between themselves. All patients were included regardless of age, gender, nationality, and outpatient or inpatient therapy. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors independently screened and extracted data from studies. MAIN RESULTS Sixty four studies, 4309 participants, met the inclusion criteria.- Comparing benzodiazepines versus placebo, benzodiazepines performed better for seizures, 3 studies, 324 participants, RR 0.16 (0.04 to 0.69), no statistically significant difference for the other outcomes considered.- Comparing benzodiazepines versus other drugs, there is a trend in favour of benzodiazepines for seizure and delirium control, severe life threatening side effect, dropouts, dropouts due to side effects and patient's global assessment score. A trend in favour of control group was observed for CIWA-Ar scores at 48 hours and at the end of treatment. The results reach statistical significance only in one study, with 61 participants, results on Hamilton anxiety rating scale favour control MD -1.60 (-2.59 to -0.61)- Comparing different benzodiazepines among themselves,results never reached statistical significance but chlordiazepoxide performed better- Comparing benzodiazepine plus other drug versus other drug, results never reached statistical significance.- In the comparison of fixed-schedule versus symptom-triggered regimens, results from a single study, with 159 participants, favour symptom-triggered regimens MD -1.10 [-3.27, 1.07] for CIWA-Ar scores at the end of treatment. Differences in isolated trials should be interpreted very cautiously. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Benzodiazepines showed a protective benefit against alcohol withdrawal symptoms, in particular seizures, when compared to placebo and a potentially protective benefit for many outcomes when compared with other drugs. Nevertheless, no definite conclusions about the effectiveness and safety of benzodiazepines was possible, because of the heterogeneity of the trials both in interventions and the assessment of outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Amato
- Department of Epidemiology, ASL RM/E, Via di Santa Costanza, 53, Rome, Italy, 00198
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Nava F, Premi S, Manzato E, Campagnola W, Lucchini A, Gessa GL. Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate Reduces both Withdrawal Syndrome and Hypercortisolism in Severe Abstinent Alcoholics: An Open Study vs. Diazepam. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2009; 33:379-92. [PMID: 17613965 DOI: 10.1080/00952990701315046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In 42 alcoholic inpatients we performed an open randomized study to compare the effects of diazepam and gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) on the suppression of severe alcohol withdrawal syndrome and hypercortisolism. Both diazepam (.5 mg/kg bodyweight, q.i.d.) and GHB (50 mg/kg bodyweight, q.i.d.) were orally administered for three weeks. During all study period, GHB was more able than diazepam in reducing both withdrawal syndrome and hypercortisolism. These effects were evident during the first week of treatment and persisted throughout the study period. The results confirm a strict correlation between high levels of plasma cortisol and alcohol withdrawal symptoms and they show a slight superiority of GHB over diazepam in the suppression of both ethanol withdrawal and hypercortisolism. Taken together, our data suggest that GHB may act as potent anti-withdrawal agent in severe abstinent alcoholics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felice Nava
- Italian Society of Addiction Medicine FederSerD, Milan, Italy.
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Gold JA, Rimal B, Nolan A, Nelson LS. A strategy of escalating doses of benzodiazepines and phenobarbital administration reduces the need for mechanical ventilation in delirium tremens. Crit Care Med 2007; 35:724-30. [PMID: 17255852 PMCID: PMC3417045 DOI: 10.1097/01.ccm.0000256841.28351.80] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients with severe alcohol withdrawal and delirium tremens are frequently resistant to standard doses of benzodiazepines. Case reports suggest that these patients have a high incidence of requiring intensive care and many require mechanical ventilation. However, few data exist on treatment strategies and outcomes for these subjects in the medical intensive care unit (ICU). Our goal was a) to describe the outcomes of patients admitted to the medical ICU solely for treatment of severe alcohol withdrawal and b) to determine whether a strategy of escalating doses of benzodiazepines in combination with phenobarbital would improve outcomes. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING Inner-city municipal hospital. PATIENTS Subjects admitted to the medical ICU solely for the treatment of severe alcohol withdrawal. INTERVENTIONS Institution of guidelines emphasizing escalating doses of diazepam in combination with phenobarbital. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Preguideline (n = 54) all subjects were treated with intermittent boluses of diazepam with an average total and maximal individual dose of 248 mg and 32 mg, respectively; 17% were treated with phenobarbital. Forty-seven percent required intubation due to inability to achieve adequate sedation and need for constant infusion of sedative-hypnotics. Intubated subjects had longer length of stay (5.6 vs. 3.4 days; p = .09) and higher incidence of nosocomial pneumonia (42 vs. 21% p = .08). Postguideline (n = 41) there were increases in maximum individual dose of diazepam (32 vs. 86 mg; p = .001), total amount of diazepam (248 vs. 562 mg; p = .001), and phenobarbital use (17 vs. 58%; p = .01). This was associated with a reduction in the need for mechanical ventilation (47 vs. 22%; p = .008), with trends toward reductions in ICU length of stay and nosocomial pneumonia. CONCLUSIONS Patients admitted to a medical ICU solely for treatment of severe alcohol withdrawal have a high incidence of requiring mechanical ventilation. Guidelines emphasizing escalating bolus doses of diazepam, and barbiturates if necessary, significantly reduced the need for mechanical ventilation and showed trends toward reductions in ICU length of stay and nosocomial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey A Gold
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, OR, USA
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Bär KJ, Boettger MK, Neubauer R, Grotelüschen M, Jochum T, Baier V, Sauer H, Voss A. Heart rate variability and sympathetic skin response in male patients suffering from acute alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2006; 30:1592-8. [PMID: 16930222 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2006.00191.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many symptoms of alcohol withdrawal (AW) such as tachycardia or elevated blood pressure might be explained by increased peripheral and central adrenergic activity. In contrast to many neurochemical studies of sympathetic activation during AW, only very few studies investigated autonomic balance using neurophysiological methods. METHODS We investigated heart rate variability (HRV) and sympathetic skin response (SSR) in male patients suffering from mild AW syndrome (n = 20, no treatment required) and in patients with moderate to severe AW syndrome (n = 20, clomethiazole treatment) in the acute stage. Sympathovagal influence was quantified using measures of time and frequency domain of HRV as well as modern nonlinear parameters (compression entropy). Furthermore, we obtained latencies and amplitudes of SSR to quantify isolated sympathetic influence. Measures were obtained during the climax of withdrawal symptomatology before treatment, 1 day after climax, and shortly before discharge from hospital. Alcohol withdrawal scores were obtained and correlated to autonomic measures. RESULTS Ambulatory blood pressure and AW scores revealed characteristic withdrawal symptoms in both patient groups. Apart from the nonlinear parameter compression entropy, Hc, measures of HRV revealed no sign of autonomic dysfunction in contrast to the significantly increased heart rates at the time of admission. Latencies and amplitudes of SSR did not indicate any increase of sympathetic activity. A negative correlation was found between Hc and mental withdrawal symptoms. CONCLUSIONS We show here that classical measures for autonomic nervous system activity such as HRV and SSR are not suitable for describing the autonomic changes seen in acute AW, although a major role for the sympathetic nervous system has been proposed. This might be due to multiple dysregulation of metabolites in AWS or to subtle alcohol-induced damage to neuronal structures, issues that should be addressed in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl-Jürgen Bär
- Department of Psychiatry, Friedrich-Schiller-University of Jena, Jena, Germany.
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Abstract
Tremor is often a disabling primary condition or secondary to another disorder. No universally effective pharmacological agent exists for the treatment of essential tremor, and patients differ greatly in their response to therapies, thus requiring individualised regimens. Deep brain stimulation is the best option for patients with disabling, drug-resistant essential tremor. Resting tremor in Parkinson's disease is usually not the primary disabling feature, and in most cases, levodopa/carbidopa is satisfactory for many years. Young Parkinson's patients with dominant, disabling tremor benefit from anticholinergics in addition to dopaminergic therapies. However, older Parkinson's patients with more disabling tremor may suffer from dose-dependent side effects, and deep brain stimulation should be considered. This article outlines the available pharmacological agents and treatment considerations for various disabling tremors, including essential tremor and Parkinson's disease.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is a cluster of symptoms that occurs in alcohol-dependent people after cessation or reduction in alcohol use. This systematic review focuses on the evidence of benzodiazepines' use in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of benzodiazepines in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library Issue 4, 2004), MEDLINE (1966 to October 2004) and EU-PSI PSI-Tri database with no language and publication restrictions. We also screened references of retrieved articles. SELECTION CRITERIA All randomized controlled trials examining the effectiveness and safety of a benzodiazepine in comparison with a placebo or other pharmacological intervention or other benzodiazepine were considered. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two reviewers independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. MAIN RESULTS Fifty-seven trials, with a total of 4,051 people were included. Despite the considerable number of randomized controlled trials, there was a very large variety of outcomes and of different rating scales and relatively limited quantitative synthesis of data was feasible. Benzodiazepines offered a large benefit against alcohol withdrawal seizures compared to placebo (relative risk [RR] 0.16; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.04 to 0.69; p = 0.01). Benzodiazepines had similar success rates as other drugs (RR 1.02; 95% CI 0.92 to 1.12) or anticonvulsants in particular (RR 1.00; 95% CI 0.87 to 1.16) and offered a significant benefit for seizure control against non-anticonvulsants (RR 0.23; 95% CI 0.07 to 0.75; p = 0.02), but not against anticonvulsants (RR 1.99; 95% CI 0.46 to 8.65). Changes in Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol (CIWA-Ar) scores at the end of treatment were similar with benzodiazepines versus other drugs, although some small studies showed isolated significant differences for other, less commonly, used scales. Data on other comparisons were very limited, thus making quantitative synthesis for various outcomes not very informative. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Benzodiazepines are effective against alcohol withdrawal symptoms, in particular seizures, when compared to placebo. It is not possible to draw definite conclusions about the relative effectiveness and safety of benzodiazepines against other drugs in alcohol withdrawal, because of the large heterogeneity of the trials both in interventions and assessment of outcomes but the available data do not show prominent differences between benzodiazepines and other drugs in success rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Ntais
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, University of Ioannina School of Medicine, 14 Ch. Zoidi Str., Ioannina, Greece, GR45444.
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Kähkönen S, Bondarenko BB. L-type Ca2+ channels mediate cardiovascular symptoms of alcohol withdrawal in humans. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2004; 28:45-8. [PMID: 14687856 DOI: 10.1016/s0278-5846(03)00174-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The cardiovascular effects and plasma concentrations after intravenous verapamil injection (5 mg) were compared in seven alcohol dependents during alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) to those after resolution of these symptoms. At the onset of AWS, verapamil caused a bradycardiac response, which was absent after resolution of AWS. At the same period, a hypotensive effect of verapamil was weakened. No differences in verapamil plasma concentrations were observed between different periods. These results suggest that L-type Ca(2+) channels are involved in mediating cardiovascular symptoms of AWS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seppo Kähkönen
- BioMag Laboratory, Engineering Centre, Helsinki University Central Hospital, P.O. Box 340, Helsinki FIN-00029 HUS, Finland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R Kosten
- Departments of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn., USA.
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Abstract
The intensive care unit (ICU) represents a dynamic interaction between patient factors and interventional factors. The complexity of this situation can generate an impaired consciousness in the patients. The critical care provider is faced with deducing the etiology and treatment of delirium in the ICU. Many of the therapeutic agents that are used in the ICU may precipitate delirium. Patients may also experience delirium as part of their underlying medical conditions. Withdrawal syndromes, delirium tremens in particular, are known to cause delirium. By a combination of appropriate selection of medications and an awareness of delirium as a side effect, the patient in the ICU may be treated in a manner to minimize the clouding of consciousness. An understanding of the proposed pathophysiology of various types of delirium will allow appropriate clinical measures to be taken.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Webb
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Kansas City, USA
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Morris PR, Mosby EL, Ferguson BL. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome: current management strategies for the surgery patient. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 1997; 55:1452-5. [PMID: 9393405 DOI: 10.1016/s0278-2391(97)90649-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE As advances in the therapeutic management of alcohol withdrawal syndrome occur, oral and maxillofacial surgeons should be aware of the current treatment philosophies and modalities. This article provides a comprehensive review of alcohol withdrawal syndrome and presents some of the current management strategies that can be used for these patients, whether it be in the office or in the hospital.
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Affiliation(s)
- P R Morris
- Department of Hospital Dentistry, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Schools of Dentistry & Medicine
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Naik P, Lawton J. Assessment and management of individuals under the influence of alcohol in police custody. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1996; 3:37-44. [PMID: 15335626 DOI: 10.1016/s1353-1131(96)90044-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Individuals taken into police custody are commonly under the influence of alcohol. Some of these individuals are dependent on alcohol and suffer from withdrawal symptoms. Morbidity and mortality in this group is high, and deaths have been recorded in police custody. There are no specific guidelines on the assessment and management of individuals under the influence of alcohol taken into police custody. This article outlines the clinical features, assessment, investigations and management of these individuals based on a review of the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Naik
- University of Birmingham, Lyndon Clinic, Hobs Meadow, Solihull B92 8PW UK
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