Alcohol Withdrawal Flashcards
1
Q
when do symptoms for alcohol withdrawl present?
A
6-12 hours
2
Q
when is the peak incidence for seizures in alcohol withdrawl?
A
36 hours post-drink
3
Q
when is the peak incidence of delirium tremens?
A
48-72 hours
4
Q
what is effect of chronic alcohol use?
A
- enhances GABA mediated inhibition in the CNS
- inhibits NMDA-type glutamate receptors
5
Q
what is the mechanism of alcohol withdrawl?
A
- decreased inhibitory GABA
- increased NMDA glutamate transmission
6
Q
what are the symptoms of alcohol withdrawl?
A
- tachycardia
- sweating
- tremor
- anxiety
7
Q
what are the features of delirium tremens?
A
- coarse tremor
- confusion
- delusions
- auditory and visual hallucinations
- fever
- tachycardia
8
Q
what is the first-line management in alcohol withdrawal?
A
reducing dose protocol
1.. long-acting benzodiazepine (e.g. chlordiazepoxide or diazepam)
9
Q
what is used for seizure prevention in alcohol withdrawl?
A
carbamazepine
10
Q
what bezodiazepine is given to patients with hepatic failure in alcohol withdrawl?
A
lorazepam
