title: Sedative-Hypnotic Drug Withdrawal Syndrome: Recognition And Treatment.
abstract: Sedative-hypnotic drugs include gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic agents such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid [GHB], gamma-Butyrolactone [GBL], baclofen, and ethanol. Chronic use of these substances can cause tolerance, and abrupt cessation or a reduction in the quantity of the drug can precipitate a life-threatening withdrawal syndrome. Benzodiazepines, phenobarbital, propofol, and other GABA agonists or analogues can effectively control symptoms of withdrawal from GABAergic agents. Managing withdrawal symptoms requires a patient-specific approach that takes into account the physiologic pathways of the particular drugs used as well as the patient's age and comorbidities. Adjunctive therapies include alpha agonists, beta blockers, anticonvulsants, and antipsychotics. Newer pharmacological therapies offer promise in managing withdrawal symptoms.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, GA.
authors.forename: Cynthia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Santos
authors.affiliation: Director, Division of Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY.
authors.forename: Ruben E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Olmedo
mesh_terms: D019091:Critical Pathways; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D062787:Drug Overdose / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration; D004638:Emergency Treatment; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008487:Medical History Taking / Q000379:methods; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods; D063487:Prescription Drug Misuse / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012308:Risk Management / Q000379:methods; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000534:rehabilitation
chemical_list: D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives