title: Oxcarbazepine in rapid benzodiazepine detoxification.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aims at evaluating the tolerability and efficacy of the antiepileptic drug oxcarbazepine in benzodiazepine detoxification in ten patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this case study of an inpatient withdrawal program, each of the ten patients was detoxified using oxcarbazepine and completed withdrawal successfully without the occurrence of withdrawal symptoms. The detoxification program followed an outlined dosage scheme with oxcarbazepine increase and benzodiazepine tapering.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The rapidity of benzodiazepine detoxification using oxcarbazepine was remarkable, benzodiazepine withdrawal being completed in as little as 11 days.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results support the assumption that oxcarbazepine is a valuable drug for inpatient benzodiazepine withdrawal programs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Teaching Hospital Sigmaringen, University of Tuebingen, Sigmaringen, Germany. b.croissant@klksig.de
authors.forename: Bernhard
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Croissant
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Grosshans
authors.forename: Alexander
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Diehl
authors.forename: Karl
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mann
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002220:Carbamazepine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D000078330:Oxcarbazepine; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D002220:Carbamazepine; D000078330:Oxcarbazepine