Alcohol Withdrawal: Treatment and Application

Abstract

The use of anticonvulsant medications in treating alcohol-dependent individuals proffers the novel approach of an anti-withdrawal agent, an anti-drinking medication, or both. Anticonvulsants appear to be more effective against a larger range of withdrawal symptoms than benzodiazepines, especially among alcohol-dependent individuals with moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, anticonvulsant such as sodium valproate and topiramate might have a further advantage to benzodiazepines in that they appear useful both for treating the acute withdrawal symptoms and, once abstinence has been achieved, for preventing relapse by modulating post-cessation craving and affective disturbance. Obviously, this is an attractive pharmacological prospect as the use of a single medication that is efficacious at the various stages of treatment reduces the need for polypharmacy, facilitates the buildup of dosing levels early in treatment, and minimizes the potential for unexpected adverse events and alcohol/medication interactions. Research specifically designed to determine the utility and feasibility of such an approach is needed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved)