Oxcarbazepine in rapid benzodiazepine detoxification.
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.
Croissant
Bernhard
B
Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Teaching Hospital Sigmaringen, University of Tuebingen, Sigmaringen, Germany. b.croissant@klksig.de
Grosshans
Martin
M
Diehl
Alexander
A
Mann
Karl
K
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
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D002220:Carbamazepine; D000078330:Oxcarbazepine