Divalproex sodium in alcohol withdrawal: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.
Alcohol Clin Exp Res
; 25(9): 1324-9, 2001 Sep.
Article
de En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-11584152
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Divalproex sodium, an anticonvulsant and antikindling agent and gamma-aminobutyric acid enhancer, has been proposed as an alternative to benzodiazepines for treating alcohol withdrawal. This study reports on a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of divalproex sodium in acute alcohol withdrawal.METHODS:
Thirty-six hospitalized patients experiencing moderate alcohol withdrawal as measured by a score of at least 10 on the revised Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol Scale (CIWA-Ar) were randomized to receive either divalproex sodium 500 mg three times per day for 7 days or matched placebo in a double-blind manner. All subjects received a baseline dose of oxazepam and had additional oxazepam available as a rescue medication in accordance with a standard, symptom-triggered detoxification protocol. Mean total milligrams of oxazepam received, progression of withdrawal symptoms, psychological distress as measured by the Symptom Checklist-90, side effects, and adverse outcomes were compared between groups.RESULTS:
Use of divalproex sodium resulted in less use of oxazepam (p < 0.033). Group differences seemed primarily driven by those subjects who experienced symptoms above threshold level (CIWA-Ar >or=10) after 12 hr. The progression in severity of withdrawal symptoms (increase in CIWA-Ar above baseline) was also significantly greater in the placebo group (p < 0.05).CONCLUSIONS:
This placebo-controlled pilot study suggests that divalproex sodium significantly affects the course of acute alcohol withdrawal and reduces the need for treatment with a benzodiazepine. A more aggressive loading dose strategy may demonstrate a more robust or earlier response.
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Collection:
01-internacional
Base de données:
MEDLINE
Sujet principal:
Syndrome de sevrage
/
Acide valproïque
/
Éthanol
/
Anticonvulsivants
Type d'étude:
Clinical_trials
/
Guideline
Limites:
Adolescent
/
Adult
/
Aged
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
Langue:
En
Journal:
Alcohol Clin Exp Res
Année:
2001
Type de document:
Article
Pays d'affiliation:
États-Unis d'Amérique