When managing withdrawal from co-existing benzodiazepine and alcohol dependence
When managing withdrawal from co-existing benzodiazepine and alcohol dependence increase the dose of benzodiazepine medication used for withdrawal
- calculate the initial daily dose based on the requirements for alcohol withdrawal plus the equivalent regularly used daily dose of benzodiazepine . This is best managed with one benzodiazepine (chlordiazepoxide or diazepam) rather than multiple benzodiazepines
- inpatient withdrawal regimens should last for 2-3 weeks or longer, depending on the severity of co-existing benzodiazepine dependence
- when withdrawal is managed in the community, and/or where there is a high level of benzodiazepine dependence, the regimen should last for longer than 3 weeks, tailored to the service user's symptoms and discomfort
Reference:
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Alcohol-use disorders: diagnosis and clinical management of alcohol-related physical complications. April 2017 [internet publication].
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