title: Dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal delirium: a case report.
abstract: In this case report, even a moderate dose of dexmedetomidine, a very selective alpha(2)-adrenergic agent, resulted in a rapid response to alcohol withdrawal delirium after the standard treatment. Psychiatrists should be aware of this relatively new drug that provides advantages over clonidine, heavy sedation and secondary restraints. Dexmedetomidine should be further evaluated in the treatment of specific forms of aggressive behavior and complicated withdrawal states.
authors.affiliation: Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa, Hyvinkää Hospital, Hyvinkää, Finland. aki.rovasalo@helsinki.fi
authors.forename: Aki
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rovasalo
authors.forename: Harri
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Tohmo
authors.forename: Riku
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Aantaa
authors.forename: Eija
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kettunen
authors.forename: Riitta
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Palojoki
mesh_terms: D000430:Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020927:Dexmedetomidine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003975:Diazepam / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006220:Haloperidol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013831:Thiamine / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D020927:Dexmedetomidine; D006220:Haloperidol; D003975:Diazepam; D013831:Thiamine