[Treatment of benzodiazepine-resistant alcohol withdrawal symptoms]

Ugeskr Laeger. 2015 Aug 17;177(34):V03150234.
[Article in Danish]

Abstract

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can lead to severe morbidity and potentially be fatal if untreated. A subgroup of patients treated for alcohol withdrawal symptoms will exhibit symptoms resistant to first-line treatment with benzodiazepines. The understanding of benziodiazepine-resistant alcohol withdrawal symptoms has increased with new knowledge of implicated neuroreceptors and possible treatment methods. This article aims to elucidate the patient population and the existing methods of treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Barbiturates / therapeutic use
  • Benzodiazepines / pharmacology*
  • Benzodiazepines / therapeutic use
  • Central Nervous System / drug effects
  • Drug Resistance
  • Ethanol / adverse effects*
  • Ethanol / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Barbiturates
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Ethanol