Controlled Trial of Chlormethiazole in Treatment of the Alcoholic Withdrawal Phase

Abstract

A controlled trial has been carried out in which chlormethiazole (Heminevrin) and a placebo are compared in the treatment of withdrawal symptoms in alcoholic patients. A statistically significant difference was found between the active and placebo groups. No serious side-effects were observed. No evidence could be adduced indicating that chlormethiazole was contraindicated in depression. This finding is not in line with views previously expressed. The results of this trial show chlormethiazole to be a valuable drug in the treatment of withdrawal symptoms in alcoholics, although in view of the possible risk of dependence it should not be continued in general beyond six days. © 1965, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.