Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is characterized by onset of symptoms that occurs in individuals who suddenly stop drinking alcohol. It essentially occurs in the alcohol drinking population who all of a sudden either decreases their alcohol intake or stops its consumption.
Presentation
Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal usually develop within 8 hours after the last drink. However, in many instances, symptoms may occur after many days. Symptoms include depression, anxiety, nervousness, mood swings, nightmares, irritability, fatigue, headache, enlarged pupils, pallor, sweating and rapid heart rate. In more severe forms of alcohol withdrawal, delirium tremens may set in. Individuals experience fever, hallucinations, seizures, confusion and agitation [7]. Symptoms continue for several weeks and peak within 24 to 72 hours after the onset of preliminary signs [8].
Entire Body System
- Fever
These signs include tachycardia, hypertension, and fevers. [jfponline.com]
In more severe cases, individuals experience fever, agitation, seizures and severe confusion which occur due to development of delirium tremens. [symptoma.com]
[…] peak at 5 days, include: Disorientation, confusion, and severe anxiety Hallucinations (primarily visual) which cannot be distinguished from reality Profuse sweating Seizures High blood pressure Racing and irregular heartbeat Severe tremors Low-grade fever [web.archive.org]
Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if seizures, fever, severe confusion, hallucinations, or irregular heartbeats occur. [nlm.nih.gov]
- Fatigue
Individuals however, tend to suffer from insomnia, fatigue and irritability for several months. It is necessary that alcohol withdrawal symptoms are treated with appropriate medications and therapies. [symptoma.com]
[…] symptoms of DTs): Most common in the first 12 to 48 hours after the last drink Most common in people with past complications from alcohol withdrawal Usually generalized tonic-clonic seizures Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, including: Anxiety, depression Fatigue [medlineplus.gov]
Symptoms such as sleep changes, rapid changes in mood, and fatigue may last for months. People who continue to drink a lot may develop health problems such as liver, heart, and nervous system disease. [nlm.nih.gov]
- Malnutrition
As hypokalaemia can be symptom-free, we want to draw attention to the combination of vomiting, malnutrition and alcohol withdrawal, as these can cause lethal complications. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Malnutrition, jaundice, gastrointestinal bleeding, and an overall weakened immune system have all also been known to impact the lives of those battling an addiction to alcohol. [galaxrecovery.com]
Malnutrition: Individuals with heavy alcohol usage may have replaced food with alcohol, leading to a higher risk of delirium tremens. [addictioncampuses.com]
Someone dependent on alcohol may also suffer from malnutrition. Supplements and the implementation of a healthy diet and regular sleep schedule may improve withdrawal side effects and help the body heal faster. [americanaddictioncenters.org]
- Chills
How to serve Ales are best served chilled, at 10–14°C. Chilling a bottle from room temperature to the perfect serving temperature takes about one hour in a fridge. Any allergens possibly contained in the beverages are mentioned on the label. [alko.fi]
Heroin withdrawal symptoms include dilated pupils, fever, chills, stomach cramps and diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, irritability, panic, nausea, muscle cramps and runny nose. [withdrawal.net]
They may not notice the milder symptoms of alcohol withdrawal; such as, shakiness, nausea, chills, and headaches. Other people will try to wean themselves off alcohol. [thecabinchiangmai.com]
[…] contentid=30&language=English">fever</a> or chills, call the urology resident on call. [aboutkidshealth.ca]
- Rigor
Anticonvulsants seem to have limited side effects, although adverse effects are not rigorously reported in the analysed trials. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Third and perhaps most importantly, the rarity of ACH has thus far prevented rigorous research to establish evidence-based treatment guidelines. [dovepress.com]
Respiratoric
- Tachypnea
Her initial tachypnea and hyperglycemia were misdiagnosed by emergency personnel as being due to diabetic ketoacidosis. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Clinical findings associated with DTs may include the following: Tachycardia Hyperthermia Hypertension Tachypnea Diaphoresis Tremor Mydriasis Altered mental status Severe psychomotor agitation Fever Positional nystagmus Global confusion Disorientation [emedicine.medscape.com]
Almost all patients in acute withdrawal are dehydrated as a result of diaphoresis, hyperthermia, vomiting, and tachypnea. [ragingalcoholic.com]
Gastrointestinal
- Nausea
SHAPS and SANSanh were positively correlated to CIWA-Ar total score, "nausea and vomiting," and "headache/fullness in head." [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
SHAPS and SANSanh were positively correlated to CIWA-Ar total score, “nausea and vomiting,” and “headache/fullness in head.” [doi.org]
Nausea and Vomiting no nausea and no vomiting mild nausea with no vomiting intermittent nausea with dry heaves constant nausea, frequent dry heaves and vomiting Tactile Disturbances Do you have any itching, pins and needles sensations, any burning, any [choosehelp.com]
- Loss of Appetite
The most common symptoms include tremor, craving for alcohol, insomnia, vivid dreams, anxiety, hypervigilance, agitation, irritability, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, headache, and sweating. 5 Even without treatment, most of these relatively benign [jfponline.com]
[…] of appetite Nausea Vomiting Rapid heart rate Sweating Tremors of the hands or other parts of the body A more severe form of alcohol withdrawal, known as delirium tremens (or DTs), can cause: Agitation Fever Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are [myvictorycenter.com]
Heroin withdrawal symptoms include dilated pupils, fever, chills, stomach cramps and diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, irritability, panic, nausea, muscle cramps and runny nose. [withdrawal.net]
Loss of appetite is also common. Alcohol withdrawal can alter a person's mental state, causing confusion or difficulty thinking clearly, according to the National Institutes of Health. [livestrong.com]
- Diarrhea
Some patients undergoing alcohol withdrawal may require intravenous fluids to correct severe dehydration resulting from vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, and fever. [jfponline.com]
Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include: xiv Agitation, restlessness Anorexia nervosa Anxiety, panic attacks, fear, irritability, depression Catatonia Confusion Delirium tremens Derealization Euphoria Fever Gastrointestinal upset, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea [healthyplace.com]
Heroin withdrawal symptoms include dilated pupils, fever, chills, stomach cramps and diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, irritability, panic, nausea, muscle cramps and runny nose. [withdrawal.net]
It will result and immediate and probably violent diarrhea. After a few time going through withdrawal you will know better and hold off, there will likely still be diarrhea even after waiting for several hours, but it won’t be so bad. [ragingalcoholic.com]
Cardiovascular
- Hypertension
Abstract Alcohol withdrawal hypertension is a common clinical problem which often goes unrecognized. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
DTs is the most severe manifestation of alcohol withdrawal and clinical manifestations include agitation, global confusion, disorientation, hallucinations, fever, hypertension, diaphoresis, and autonomic hyperactivity (tachycardia and hypertension). [emedicine.medscape.com]
[…] dreams confused hypervigilant Stage III – 48 hrs generalised tonic-clonic seizures Stage IV – after 48 hrs global confusional state autonomic hyperactivity tremors hallucinations seizures hyperadrenergic: diaphoresis, flushing, mydriasis, tachycardia, hypertension [lifeinthefastlane.com]
- Tachycardia
There was a trend toward significance of association of complications with tachycardia, history of delirium tremens, and benzodiazepines being administered before psychiatric consultation. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
During withdrawal from alcohol, the loss of GABA-A receptor stimulation causes a reduction in chloride flux and is associated with tremors, diaphoresis, tachycardia, anxiety, and seizures. [emedicine.medscape.com]
Hours later, he underwent rapid sequence intubation after prolonged hypoxia, respiratory distress, and tachycardia. [hindawi.com]
Skin
- Sweating
These symptoms include: Shaky hands Sweating Mild anxiety Nausea Vomiting Headache Insomnia Between 12 and 24 hours after they stop drinking, some patients may experience visual, auditory, or tactile hallucinations. [web.archive.org]
Some patients undergoing alcohol withdrawal may require intravenous fluids to correct severe dehydration resulting from vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, and fever. [jfponline.com]
They can include: Anxiety Shaky hands Headache Nausea Vomiting Insomnia Sweating More serious problems range from hallucinations about 12 to 24 hours after that last drink to seizures within the first 2 days after you stop. [webmd.com]
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome begins six to 24 hours after the last intake of alcohol, and the signs and symptoms include tremors, agitation, nausea, sweating, vomiting, hallucinations, insomnia, tachycardia, hypertension, delirium, and seizures. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
- Pruritus
[…] histopathologic features Frequently missed, often a diagnosis of exclusion History Onset, including any triggering event Duration of eruption, previous episodes Local trauma or infection Impairment in manual dexterity or ambulation Localized symptoms: pain, pruritus [unboundmedicine.com]
[…] photochemotherapy for psoriasis Take Quiz Guidelines: Inside AD Take Quiz Guidelines for the topical treatment of AD: Part 2 Take Quiz Guidelines for the topical treatment of AD: Part 1 Take Quiz Quiz USPSTF: Screening for skin cancer Take Quiz Quiz Pruritus [mdedge.com]
Psychiatrical
- Mood Swings
Days 3-5 Ongoing feelings of nervousness, shakiness and mood swings can last up to a week after the last drink. Delirium tremens may occur during this time as well. [addictioncenter.com]
Symptoms Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include headache, anxiety, nervousness, mood swings, depression, irritability, enlarged pupil, sweating, arrhythmia, loss of appetite and insomnia. [symptoma.com]
If you are concerned that someone you love is suffering from alcohol withdrawal, here are some of the common alcohol withdrawal symptoms to be aware of: Behavior/psychological symptoms: Mood swings Anxiety/nervousness Irritability Fatigue Confusion/unclear [myvictorycenter.com]
Initial symptoms are usually mild and consist of anxiety, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, mood swings, loss of appetite, and fatigue. Over the next 24-72 hours, these symptoms intensify. [addictionresource.com]
- Visual Hallucination
A 27-year-old man was admitted with tremulousness, diaphoresis, tachypnea (28 breaths/min), full-body rigidity, irritability, paranoia, and auditory and visual hallucinations 2 days after stopping long-term gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and 8 hours after [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Physical withdrawal symptoms include: hand tremors ('the shakes') sweating nausea visual hallucinations (seeing things that aren’t real) seizures (fits) in the most serious cases Psychological withdrawal symptoms include: depression anxiety irritability [kmpt.nhs.uk]
More concerning are hallucinations, delirium tremens (DTs), and seizures. Transient auditory or visual hallucinations may occur within the first 2 days of decreasing or discontinuing alcohol consumption, and can be separate from DTs. [jfponline.com]
- Auditory Hallucination
Even after a month, he continuously presented persecutory delusion, auditory hallucination and cognitive dysfunction. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
More concerning are hallucinations, delirium tremens (DTs), and seizures. Transient auditory or visual hallucinations may occur within the first 2 days of decreasing or discontinuing alcohol consumption, and can be separate from DTs. [jfponline.com]
Some examples of symptoms include: Diminished awareness of surroundings Uncertainly about location Inability to understand conversation and speak clearly Vivid, often frightening dreams that continue once awake Auditory hallucination Agitation and restlessness [news-medical.net]
hallucinations, agitation and tremulousness, and autonomic signs resulting from the activation of stress-related hormones. [withdrawal.org]
- Anxiety Disorder
Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant agent, also effective in the treatment of mood disorders and anxiety disorders. Three cases of alcohol withdrawal treated with gabapentin are presented. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Uses of Clonidine Clonidine is used in the treatment of a number of conditions including: * Antihypertensive – it lowers blood pressure * It can be used for the treatment of panic attacks and anxiety disorder. * It can help with insomnia * Treatment of [alcoholrehab.com]
anxiety disorder F10.281 Alcohol dependence with alcohol-induced sexual dysfunction Reimbursement claims with a date of service on or after October 1, 2015 require the use of ICD-10-CM codes. [icd10data.com]
Drummond, Behavioural approaches to anxiety disorders., Postgraduate Medical Journal, 10.1136/pgmj.69.809.222, 69, 809, (222-226), (1993). Stephen A. [dx.doi.org]
Neurologic
- Seizure
Patients with moderate withdrawal should receive pharmacotherapy to treat their symptoms and reduce their risk of seizures and delirium tremens during outpatient detoxification (SOR: A ). [jfponline.com]
Inpatient management is desirable to eliminate other causes of seizures that occur for the first time in adult life and because such patients are at substantial risk for additional seizures and the development of delirium tremens. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
The risk of seizures is especially high in patients who previously have undergone multiple detoxifications. [web.archive.org]
- Agitation
Ibrahim contends that it’s both safe and effective in treating agitation. The physicians at St. Francis use haloperidol only as an adjunct for persisting agitation after the Valium front-loading. [todayshospitalist.com]
A significant number of patients with terminal cancer experience terminal restlessness or an agitated delirium in the final days of life. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
The drug is repeated at 5-20 mg per dose every 5-15 minutes until adequate control of agitation is achieved. After agitation is controlled, an hourly dose is given as needed to maintain light somnolence. [emedicine.medscape.com]
- Tremor
Finally, we evaluated different methods of combining the data from the two hands for obtaining a single tremor rating estimate, and found that simply averaging the tremor ratings of the two hands results in the lowest tremor estimate error (an RMSE of [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
To save this word, you'll need to log in. delirium tre·mens | \ -ˈtrē-mənz, -ˈtre- \ Definition of delirium tremens : a violent delirium with tremors that is induced by excessive and prolonged use of alcoholic liquors — called also d.t.' [merriam-webster.com]
Minor alcohol withdrawal is characterized by tremor, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, and insomnia. [emedicine.medscape.com]
- Insomnia
Brower, Alcohol Dependence and Its Relationship With Insomnia and Other Sleep Disorders, Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 40, 11, (2271-2282), (2016). Forrest H. [doi.org]
The spectrum of alcohol withdrawal symptoms ranges from such minor symptoms as insomnia and tremulousness to severe complications such as withdrawal seizures and delirium tremens. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
That’s because insomnia is one of the withdrawal effects brought on by alcohol deprivation. [luxury.rehabs.com]
- Irritability
A 27-year-old man was admitted with tremulousness, diaphoresis, tachypnea (28 breaths/min), full-body rigidity, irritability, paranoia, and auditory and visual hallucinations 2 days after stopping long-term gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and 8 hours after [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Symptoms Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include headache, anxiety, nervousness, mood swings, depression, irritability, enlarged pupil, sweating, arrhythmia, loss of appetite and insomnia. [symptoma.com]
Heroin withdrawal symptoms include dilated pupils, fever, chills, stomach cramps and diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, irritability, panic, nausea, muscle cramps and runny nose. [withdrawal.net]
Excessive drinking excites and irritates the nervous system. If you drink daily, your body becomes dependent on alcohol over time. When this happens, your central nervous system can no longer adapt easily to the lack of alcohol. [healthline.com]
Workup
A preliminary physical exam to evaluate the signs and symptoms of the condition would be carried out. Physical examination would show signs of tremors, fever, dehydration, abnormal movements of eye and arrhythmia.
In addition to physical examination, blood and urine tests would also be carried out to assess the amount of alcohol in body. A toxicology screen is also required to confirm the diagnosis.
Serum
- Hypophosphatemia
Commonly Associated Conditions General: poor nutrition, electrolyte abnormalities (hyponatremia, hypomagnesemia, hypophosphatemia), thiamine deficiency, dehydration GI: hepatitis, cirrhosis, esophageal varices, GI bleed Heme: splenomegaly, thrombocytopenia [unboundmedicine.com]
[…] older age, lung disease, temperature >104°F, and significant hepatic dysfunction.(1) These patients can develop considerable dehydration, decreased cerebral blood flow (secondary to respiratory alkalosis), and profound hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, and hypophosphatemia [sccm.org]
Most of these patients present with severe dehydration (up to 10 L fluid deficit) and severe electrolyte abnormalities, including hypoglycemia and severe hypomagnesemia and hypophosphatemia. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Hypomagnesemia occurs frequently with DTs and may predispose to withdrawal seizures. (7) Hypophosphatemia may occur due to malnutrition, may be symptomatic, and if severe, may contribute to cardiac failure and rhabdomyolysis. 48 to 96 hours Chart taken [ragingalcoholic.com]
Labs that may be suggestive of underlying alcohol use disorder include: Elevated transaminases AST > ALT, elevated MCV, leukopenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, hypomagnesemia, hypophosphatemia, elevated carbohydrate deficient transferrin Hyponatremia in [clinicaladvisor.com]
- Hypophosphatemia
Commonly Associated Conditions General: poor nutrition, electrolyte abnormalities (hyponatremia, hypomagnesemia, hypophosphatemia), thiamine deficiency, dehydration GI: hepatitis, cirrhosis, esophageal varices, GI bleed Heme: splenomegaly, thrombocytopenia [unboundmedicine.com]
[…] older age, lung disease, temperature >104°F, and significant hepatic dysfunction.(1) These patients can develop considerable dehydration, decreased cerebral blood flow (secondary to respiratory alkalosis), and profound hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, and hypophosphatemia [sccm.org]
Most of these patients present with severe dehydration (up to 10 L fluid deficit) and severe electrolyte abnormalities, including hypoglycemia and severe hypomagnesemia and hypophosphatemia. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Hypomagnesemia occurs frequently with DTs and may predispose to withdrawal seizures. (7) Hypophosphatemia may occur due to malnutrition, may be symptomatic, and if severe, may contribute to cardiac failure and rhabdomyolysis. 48 to 96 hours Chart taken [ragingalcoholic.com]
Labs that may be suggestive of underlying alcohol use disorder include: Elevated transaminases AST > ALT, elevated MCV, leukopenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, hypomagnesemia, hypophosphatemia, elevated carbohydrate deficient transferrin Hyponatremia in [clinicaladvisor.com]
Treatment
The type of treatment involved depends on the severity of the symptoms experienced. Some patients with mild to moderate symptoms can be treated at home; while others may require hospitalization to avoid onset of unnecessary complications such as delirium. Treatment of alcohol withdrawal is aimed at relieving symptoms, preventing onset of complications and achieving permanent abstinence from alcohol [9].
Outpatient treatment: In this, the individual gets treated for alcohol withdrawal symptoms, through medications and regular visits to the doctor. It is required that the patient is constantly monitored by a caregiver to look for adverse symptoms of the condition. The individuals are put on sedatives to ease the symptoms and are regularly screened through blood tests. In addition, they are also screened for other medical problems which can worsen the existing condition.
Inpatient treatment: Individuals experiencing severe symptoms may require a hospital stay to be monitored closely for onset of complications. All the vital parameters of the individual such as blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, and blood levels of chemicals will be tested. In case of dehydration, the individual will be given IV fluids to correct the condition. Administration of sedatives such as benzodiazepines will be employed, until the withdrawal process is completed. Patients are also given nutritional supplements to correct nutritional deficiencies that have occurred due to long term alcohol abuse [10].
Prognosis
The prognosis of the condition is usually favorable when individuals are given prompt treatment. Individuals however, tend to suffer from insomnia, fatigue and irritability for several months. It is necessary that alcohol withdrawal symptoms are treated with appropriate medications and therapies. This is so because, if the patients begin experiencing delirium, it can turn life threatening [6].
Etiology
Sudden cessation of alcohol consumption or significantly reducing the alcohol intake can cause development of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. It is more common in individuals who drink regularly and are unable to gradually decrease the consumption. Individuals who are suffering from certain underlying disease conditions are also at risk of developing alcohol withdrawal symptoms when they suddenly stop its consumption. In addition to adults, even teenagers and children who drink excessive alcohol are also susceptible to develop alcohol withdrawal symptoms [2].
Epidemiology
Alcohol withdrawal is a common phenomenon. It has been estimated that about 500,000 episodes of alcohol withdrawal symptoms occur each year in the US. About 5% of these individuals are known to fall prey to delirium tremens. The symptoms are so severe that they require pharmacologic intervention [3]. It has also been reported that about 50% patients who drink alcohol develop clinically relevant symptoms. In addition, less than 1 in 20 individuals who drink alcohol are also at risk of developing grand mal seizures or delirium tremens. Another statistical report revealed that mortality rate was as high as 20% in drinker’s population who suffered from delirium tremens [4].
Pathophysiology
Drinking excessive alcohol on regular basis is known to gradually excite the nervous system. Over time when such a phenomenon continues, the body is unable to tolerate sudden cessation of alcohol. This means, the nervous system cannot easily adapt to sudden change in the alcohol consumption pattern causing various symptoms such as delirium, insomnia and anxiety to name a few [5].
Prevention
Individuals are advised to gradually and slowly decrease their dependence of alcohol. This can be achieved by making conscious efforts by decreasing alcohol intake steadily. Such a practice will help prevent symptoms of alcohol withdrawal from setting in. It is also advised that individuals who wish to completely quit alcohol should seek medical advice to ensure a healthy withdrawal.
Summary
Alcoholism is a common occurrence with an estimated 140 million people throughout the world which suffer from alcohol dependence. The practice of drinking alcohol is certainly not good for the human system and has debilitating effects on the nervous system and other body organs. Alcohol withdrawal can produce various physical and emotional symptoms, which if not managed appropriately can get life threatening. Such a kind of phenomenon is common in adults; however teenagers and children can also often fall prey to it [1].
Patient Information
Definition
Alcohol withdrawal is a condition wherein individuals experience a group of symptoms when they suddenly stop drinking alcohol. An estimated 15.2 million Americans are alcoholic. Of these 1.2 million of hospital admissions occur due to alcohol withdrawal. Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal should be promptly treated to avoid onset of complications.
Cause
Sudden cessation of alcohol or significant decrease in alcohol intake causes alcohol withdrawal symptoms to set in. Individuals with certain underlying disease conditions experience more severe forms of alcohol withdrawal symptoms as compared to the normal population.
Symptoms
Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include headache, anxiety, nervousness, mood swings, depression, irritability, enlarged pupil, sweating, arrhythmia, loss of appetite and insomnia. In more severe cases, individuals experience fever, agitation, seizures and severe confusion which occur due to development of delirium tremens.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of alcohol withdrawal symptoms is done through a preliminary physical examination to categorize the signs and symptoms. In addition, blood and urine tests are also carried out to assess the level of alcohol in the system.
Treatment
Mild form of the condition is treated through medications and patients are allowed to stay at home. In severe cases, hospitalization is also required to manage the symptoms of the conditions. Medications such as benzodiazepines are recommended for patients with alcohol withdrawal.
References
- VICTOR M, ADAMS RD. The effect of alcohol on the nervous system. Res Publ Assoc Res Nerv Ment Dis 1953; 32:526.
- Hack JB, Hoffmann RS, Nelson LS. Resistant alcohol withdrawal: does an unexpectedly large sedative requirement identify these patients early?. J Med Toxicol. Jun 2006;2(2):55-60.
- Kosten TR, O'Connor PG. Management of drug and alcohol withdrawal. N Engl J Med 2003; 348:1786.
- Monte R, Rabunal R, Casariego E, Lopez-Agreda H, Mateos A, Pertega S. Analysis of the factors determining survival of alcoholic withdrawal syndrome patients in a general hospital. Alcohol Alcohol. Mar-Apr 2010;45(2):151-8.
- Bayard M, McIntyre J, Hill KR, et al. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Am Fam Physician. Mar 15 2004;69(6):1443-50.
- ISBELL H, FRASER HF, WIKLER A, et al. An experimental study of the etiology of rum fits and delirium tremens. Q J Stud Alcohol 1955; 16:1.
- Abraham E, Shoemaker WC, McCartney SF. Cardiorespiratory patterns in severe delirium tremens. Arch Intern Med 1985; 145:1057
- Turner RC, Lichstein PR, Peden JG Jr, et al. Alcohol withdrawal syndromes: a review of pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and treatment. J Gen Intern Med 1989; 4:432.
- Mayo-Smith MF, Beecher LH, Fischer TL, et al. Management of alcohol withdrawal delirium. An evidence-based practice guideline. Arch Intern Med. Jul 12 2004;164(13):1405-12.
- Amato L, Minozzi S, Vecchi S, Davoli M. Benzodiazepines for alcohol withdrawal. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2010; :CD005063.