[The use of psychotropic drugs in alcoholism].
Comorbid psychiatric disorders occur frequently in patients with alcohol dependence. Psychotropic medications as antidepressants, benzodiazepines, antipsychotic or hypnotic medications are sometimes useful with alcoholic patients. Their prescription has to be cautious, well-assessed and time-framed. Globally, antidepressants have very little effect on alcohol outcomes meanwhile benzodiazepines are the drug of choice for alcohol withdrawal. But their use has to be very careful because of their addictive potential. Antipsychotic medications have no real indications. Considering the risk of relapse related to insomnia, sedative medications might be useful after detoxification to prevent relapse.
Sutter
K
K
Unité d'alcoologie, Département de médecine communautaire, HUG, 1211 Genève 14. karin.sutter@hcuge.ch
Gache
P
P
D000437:Alcoholism / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007319:Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy
D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs