The alcohol withdrawal syndrome: theory and practice

M Victor - Postgraduate Medicine, 1970 - Taylor & Francis
M Victor
Postgraduate Medicine, 1970Taylor & Francis
Alcoholism is a serious matter, especially when alcoholics stop drinking. Within six to eight
hours, they may have withdrawal symptoms, which may progress to delirium tremens from
48 to 96 hours after the last drink. Chlordiazepoxide will help ease patients through the
withdrawal phase, although it offers no real advantage over paraldehyde. If delirium tremens
occurs, giving fluids and correcting depleted electrolytes are most important.
Alcoholism is a serious matter, especially when alcoholics stop drinking. Within six to eight hours, they may have withdrawal symptoms, which may progress to delirium tremens from 48 to 96 hours after the last drink. Chlordiazepoxide will help ease patients through the withdrawal phase, although it offers no real advantage over paraldehyde. If delirium tremens occurs, giving fluids and correcting depleted electrolytes are most important.
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