Alcohol withdrawal syndrome
Cluster of autonomic, psychiatric, and seizure symptoms after cessation of prolonged alcohol intake. Severe forms include delirium tremens and seizures and require inpatient care.
ICD-10 F10.33 drugs
Also known as: Alcohol withdrawal
Drugs used for this condition
- ADiazepamFirst line · Anxiolytics. Benzodiazepine derivativesLong-acting benzodiazepines (diazepam, chlordiazepoxide) are first-line for alcohol withdrawal management, prevention of delirium and seizures. Symptom-triggered dosing by CIWA-Ar: if score >8, give 10–20 mg diazepam orally or intravenously, repeat every 1–2 hours until sedation and CIWA-Ar reduction.
- BCarbamazepineSecond line · Antiepileptics. Carboxamide derivativesCarbamazepine is considered an alternative to benzodiazepines for mild-to-moderate alcohol withdrawal in outpatients without seizure risk. Meta-analyses show comparable efficacy in this subgroup. For severe withdrawal and delirium risk, benzodiazepines remain first-line.
Marketing claims without evidence base
The drug is promoted for these uses outside international guidelines. Each entry below is analyzed against AEMPS, FDA, EMA, Cochrane and major RCTs.
How to read tiers A–F
Evidence tiers belong to the drug-indication pair, not to the drug as a whole: the same substance can be A for one condition and F for another.
- AStrong evidence – first or second line in international guidelines
- BRecommended in selected cases
- CStudy data contradict each other
- DBenefit not proven, no documented harm
- FDocumented harm, or risk without benefit