Randomized double-blind trial of psychotropic analgesic nitrous oxide compared with diazepam for alcohol withdrawal state.
In this article, we report the first randomized double-blind controlled study of the use of psychotropic analgesic nitrous oxide (PAN) vs. a single dose of benzodiazepine (diazepam) for treating acute alcoholic withdrawal states. In previous studies, it was demonstrated that a single treatment of PAN was sufficient to reverse 90% of acute alcoholic withdrawal states within the first 60 minutes of administration with lasting effect in a single-blind manner. Despite the small sample used (n = 23), the gas was significantly more effective than the benzodiazepine at the P = 0.05 level when compared at 120 minutes. This study provides further support for previous findings that show PAN is a safe, rapid and effective therapy for acute mild to moderately severe withdrawal states.
Gillman
Mark A
MA
South African Brain Research Institute, 6 Campbell Street, Waverley, 2090, Johannesburg, South Africa. mag@iafrica.com
Lichtigfeld
Frederick J
FJ
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003975:Diazepam / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D000431:Ethanol / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009609:Nitrous Oxide / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs; D000431:Ethanol; D009609:Nitrous Oxide; D003975:Diazepam