ALCOHOL WITHDRAWAL SYNDROME MEDICATION PROFESSIONAL

It is important to the normal functioning of the nervous system. Thiamine is one of the group B vitamins (vitamin B1). Benzodiazepines also affect ability to drive or operate machinery. Diazepam is usually taken several times a day in the beginning.ĭiazepam (and other benzodiazepines) increases the effects of alcohol and other sedatives so the person should not drink while taking them. Higher doses may be safely used in an inpatient setting, rather than in the home. This ensures the person does not develop benzodiazepine addiction long-term use is not appropriate. Clinical studies have shown this group of drugs is the safest and most effective treatment available.ĭiazepam is usually prescribed for the first few days (up to a week), often in reducing amounts. They have a similar action in the brain to that of alcohol so are good at relieving many of the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Medications used in managing withdrawal symptoms Diazepam (Valium, Antenex, Ducene)ĭiazepam belongs to the group of drugs called benzodiazepines (PDF 124KB). It is important not to take medications without telling your doctor or to start drinking (or taking illegal drugs) while still taking the prescribed medication. For further information about alcohol withdrawal options, contact the Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) 1or visit the Treatment options for drug and alcohol issues page.Īny medications prescribed by a doctor for managing withdrawal should be taken as directed. In South Australia, this could be at home with the help of a GP and supportive friends/family, in hospital or in an inpatient unit (eg Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia’s Withdrawal Services). Withdrawal can be undertaken in a variety of settings.

ALCOHOL WITHDRAWAL SYNDROME MEDICATION PROFESSIONAL

Patients who are prescribed it should be regularly reviewed by a healthcare professional whilst taking it.Medication assisted treatment for alcohol dependence On this page Alcohol withdrawal Nalmefene is another treatment often started by a specialist rather than a GP.It is considered for those who have an alcohol consumption of more than 60 g per day for men and more than 40 g per day for women (8 g of alcohol is equal to one standard unit of alcohol), without physical withdrawal symptoms and who do not require immediate detoxification.Nalmefene is a newer treatment available as an option for reducing alcohol consumption in people with alcohol dependence or alcohol addiction:.Naltrexone is an alternative to acamprosate but it is usually only prescribed by specialists.It can help some people to stay off alcohol. So, in effect, the medicine acts as a deterrent for when you are tempted to drink. When you take disulfiram you get very unpleasant symptoms if you drink any alcohol. Disulfiram is another medicine which is sometimes recommended by hospital specialists following a successful 'detox'.It is usually started in hospital and continued by GPs. Acamprosate is a medicine which helps to ease alcohol cravings.You may be advised to take a medicine for several months to help you keep off alcohol.

To help to prevent a relapse you may be offered medication or other help. After a detox - staying off alcoholĪfter a successful alcohol 'detox', some people go back to drinking heavily again at some point (a relapse). Other groups of people sometimes offered hospital admission for 'detox' include those with learning difficulties, social difficulties or lots of different illnesses. You may be admitted to hospital if you have serious alcohol-related problems such as DTs or withdrawal seizures, or if you are aged under 16 years and have alcohol withdrawal symptoms. However, these units have more staff and expertise for giving support and counselling. The medicines used to 'detox' in specialist units are much the same as GPs prescribe. Previous attempts to stop alcohol which have failed.

A history of severe withdrawal symptoms.

This is usually better for people who have other physical or mental health problems and for those who have the following: Some people are referred to a specialist drug and alcohol unit for 'detox'.

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome medication