Abstract | BACKGROUND:
Benzodiazepine-resistant cases of alcohol withdrawal syndrome are common, and therefore alternate treatments are needed. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to conduct a systematic review of published reports on the use of barbiturates for alcohol withdrawal syndrome. METHODS: We performed a systematic literature search of PUBMED for relevant citations that described the use of barbiturates either alone or in conjunction with other pharmacological agents to treat alcohol withdrawal syndrome. RESULTS: CONCLUSION:
Barbiturates provide effective treatment for alcohol withdrawal syndrome. In particular, they show promise for use in the emergency department and for severe withdrawal in the intensive care unit. Respiratory depression does not appear to be exceedingly common. Additional studies are needed to clarify the role of barbiturates in alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
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Authors | Katherine Martin, Andrew Katz |
Journal | Psychosomatics
(Psychosomatics)
2016 Jul-Aug
Vol. 57
Issue 4
Pg. 341-7
ISSN: 1545-7206 [Electronic] England |
PMID | 27207572
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Review, Systematic Review)
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Copyright | Copyright © 2016 The Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. |
Chemical References |
- Barbiturates
- Central Nervous System Depressants
- Benzodiazepines
- Ethanol
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Topics |
- Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium
(drug therapy)
- Alcohol Withdrawal Seizures
(drug therapy)
- Barbiturates
(therapeutic use)
- Benzodiazepines
(therapeutic use)
- Central Nervous System Depressants
(adverse effects)
- Ethanol
(adverse effects)
- Humans
- Substance Withdrawal Syndrome
(drug therapy, etiology)
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