title: Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid for treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
abstract: The effect of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) on ethanol withdrawal syndrome in alcoholics was investigated in a randomised double-blind study. Patients with withdrawal symptoms were treated either with GHB (orally in a syrup preparation) (11 patients) or with the syrup alone (12). GHB treatment (50 mg/kg) led to a prompt reduction in withdrawal symptoms, such as tremors, sweating, nausea, depression, anxiety, and restlessness. The only side-effect was dizziness. GHB may be useful in the management of alcohol withdrawal syndrome in man.
authors.affiliation: Centro di Alcologia e Farmacodipendenza, General Hospital of Dolo, Venice, Italy.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gallimberti
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Canton
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Gentile
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ferri
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cibin
authors.forename: S D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Ferrara
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Fadda
authors.forename: G L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Gessa
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D000431:Ethanol / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006885:Hydroxybutyrates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011897:Random Allocation; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012978:Sodium Oxybate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D006885:Hydroxybutyrates; D000431:Ethanol; D012978:Sodium Oxybate