title: Divalproex in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal.
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29425, USA.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Myrick
authors.forename: K T
authors.initials: KT
authors.lastname: Brady
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Malcolm
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000430:Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008140:Lorazepam / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009460:Neurologic Examination / Q000187:drug effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D014635:Valproic Acid; D008140:Lorazepam