Alcoholism, clinical and experimental research
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Alcohol. Clin. Exp. Res. · Sep 2001
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialDivalproex sodium in alcohol withdrawal: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.
Divalproex sodium, an anticonvulsant and antikindling agent and gamma-aminobutyric acid enhancer, has been proposed as an alternative to benzodiazepines for treating alcohol withdrawal. This study reports on a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of divalproex sodium in acute alcohol withdrawal. ⋯ This placebo-controlled pilot study suggests that divalproex sodium significantly affects the course of acute alcohol withdrawal and reduces the need for treatment with a benzodiazepine. A more aggressive loading dose strategy may demonstrate a more robust or earlier response.