Sedative-Hypnotic Drug Withdrawal Syndrome: Recognition and Treatment -

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Abstract

 

Sedative-hypnotic drugs include gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic agents such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid [GHB], gamma-Butyrolactone [GBL], baclofen, and ethanol. Chronic use of these substances can cause tolerance, and abrupt cessation or a reduction in the quantity of the drug can precipitate a life-threatening withdrawal syndrome. Benzodiazepines, phenobarbital, propofol, and other GABA agonists or analogues can effectively control symptoms of withdrawal from GABAergic agents. Managing withdrawal symptoms requires a patient-specific approach that takes into account the physiological pathways of the particular drugs used, as well as the patient's age and comorbidities. Adjunctive therapies include alpha-2 agonists, beta blockers, anticonvulsants, and antipsychotics. Newer pharmacological therapies offer promise in managing withdrawal symptoms.

Excerpt From This Issue

A 23-year-old male weight-lifter with no significant past medical history is brought to the ED after having a seizure at the gym. Upon ED arrival, you note the patient is agitated and is demanding to be released. On examination, he is a well-developed man who appears diaphoretic, restless, and hyper-vigilant. His vital signs are: blood pressure, 180/80 mm Hg; respiratory rate, 16 breaths/ min; pulse, 125 beats/min; room-air pulse oximetry, 100%; and temperature 39.2°C (102.5°F). He is alert and oriented to person, place, and time. His pupils are 5 mm and equally reactive to light, and he has a resting tremor. He has normal breath sounds on auscultation of his chest wall, and his skin is diaphoretic. A friend arrives shortly after the patient’s arrival to the ED and states that the patient had been drinking "blue something" over the course of the past year and had run out of it earlier that morning. You wonder if the drink and the seizure could be related...