Divalproex in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal

Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse. 2000 Feb;26(1):155-60. doi: 10.1081/ada-100100597.

Abstract

The present study represents an open-label clinical trial comparing treatment with a benzodiazepine (lorazepam) to divalproex in 11 inpatients with uncomplicated alcohol withdrawal syndrome. The trial used the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol-Revised (CIWA-Ar) scale. There were no significant differences in demographics or substance use parameters between the divalproex group (n = 6) or the lorazepam group (n = 5). A significant Group x CIWA-Ar score interaction [F(8,72) = 2.57, p < or = .01] was confirmed and further substantiated by a quadratic trend component for the interaction [F(1,9) = 24.9, p < or = .001]. This preliminary study supports further investigation of divalproex in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium / drug therapy*
  • Anti-Anxiety Agents / adverse effects
  • Anti-Anxiety Agents / therapeutic use
  • Anticonvulsants / adverse effects
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lorazepam / adverse effects
  • Lorazepam / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurologic Examination / drug effects
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Valproic Acid / adverse effects
  • Valproic Acid / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Anti-Anxiety Agents
  • Anticonvulsants
  • Valproic Acid
  • Lorazepam