title: Divalproex sodium (Depakote) for alcohol withdrawal and relapse prevention.
abstract: This pilot study evaluates the safety and efficacy of divalproex sodium (Depakote) for alcohol withdrawal and relapse prevention. Sixteen patients in moderate alcohol withdrawal were randomized to receive a standard benzodiazepine detoxification, depakote detoxification, or depakote detox plus maintenance. Symptom reduction occurred more rapidly and consistently in the depakote treated patients than in the benzodiazepine control group, and at six-week follow up a greater percentage of patients in the depakote maintenance group were completely abstinent than either detox-only group. There were no significant differences in sociodemographic or drinking data amongst the three cohort samples at baseline. Our findings suggest that the anticonvulsant divalproex sodium (Depakote) may be a safe and efficacious alternative to benzodiazepines for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal. It may be an advantageous alternative for outpatient detoxification, as it has no abuse potential, pharmacologic synergy with alcohol, or substantial cognitive or psychomotor side effects.
authors.affiliation: Aurora Sinai Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA.
authors.forename: Lance P
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Longo
authors.forename: Todd
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Campbell
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hubatch
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000430:Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002707:Chlordiazepoxide / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008140:Lorazepam / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010343:Patient Admission; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012008:Recurrence; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D014635:Valproic Acid; D002707:Chlordiazepoxide; D008140:Lorazepam