Combination therapy with carbamazepine/benzodiazepine for polydrug analgesic/depressant withdrawal.
We describe the use of combination therapy with carbamazepine and benzodiazepine (BZ) for treating 4 cases of polydrug analgesic/depressant withdrawal. Carbamazepine appears to be effective in BZ withdrawal through its agonistic action on the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor. In cases where opioid abuse is suspected, analgesic nitrous oxide appears the most suitable agent to be added to this regimen, in view of its opioid properties, rapidity of action, and synergistic actions with benzodiazepines in ameliorating withdrawal from benzodiazepines and alcohol.
Lichtigfeld
F J
FJ
South African Brain Research Institute, Johannesburg.
Gillman
M A
MA
D000328:Adult; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D002220:Carbamazepine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D002220:Carbamazepine