AIMS We recently demonstrated that T-type calcium channels are affected by alcohol abuse and withdrawal. Treatment with ethosuximide, an antiepileptic drug that blocks T-type calcium channels, reduces seizure activity induced by intermittent ethanol exposures and withdrawals. Here, we expand on these findings to test whether ethosuximide can reduce the sensitivity to pentylenetetrazole-induced ...

Chronic alcohol intoxication is accompanied by metabolic abnormalities. Evolution during the early withdrawal period has been poorly investigated. The aim of this study was to determine the evolution of metabolic parameters during alcohol withdrawal. Patients and Methods. Thirty-three patients admitted in our department for alcohol withdrawal were prospectively included. Results. Baseline hypop...

INTRODUCTION Sodium oxybate (SMO) has been shown to be safe and effective in the treatment of patients with alcohol use disorders (AUDs); it was approved in Italy and Austria for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome and for relapse prevention. The focus of this review is to discuss the clinical evidence on the therapeutic potential of SMO for AUDs. AREAS COVERED This review covers the...

PURPOSE To investigate the impact of alcohol intoxication and withdrawal on the course of social phobia and panic disorder. METHOD A group of 41 alcoholic inpatients undergoing detoxification therapy were interviewed using the SCID-I (DSM-IV) and questions to detect fluctuations in the course of social phobia and panic disorder as a function of the different phases in alcohol dependence (into...

Alcohol use is prevalent in trauma patients, with nearly 50% of admitted trauma patients having a positive blood alcohol concentration (BAC) upon admission [1,2]. This is generally considered to be any concentration greater than 0 mg/dl. One consideration when caring for patients who misuse alcohol is the risk of alcohol withdrawal. The alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is due to the rapid remo...

BACKGROUND Alcohol withdrawal delirium is the most serious manifestation of alcohol withdrawal. Evidence suggests that appropriate care improves mortality, but systematic reviews are unavailable. METHODS Articles with original data on management of alcohol withdrawal delirium underwent structured review and meta-analysis. RESULTS Meta-analysis of 9 prospective controlled trials demonstrated...