A Comparison of Lorazepam and Diazepam in the Treatment of Alcohol Withdrawal

A Comparison of Lorazepam and Diazepam in the Treatment of Alcohol Withdrawal

The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy of two commonly used medications in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal, diazepam and lorazepam.

Despite the frequent use of benzodiazepines for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal, studies comparing the efficacy of long and short half-life benzodiazepines in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal have shown mixed results. Due to the conflicting nature of published reports, clinicians have no clear indication as to which type of agent is preferable. The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy of two commonly accepted medications in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal, diazepam and lorazepam, which are long and short half-life benzodiazepines, respectively.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinical diagnosis of alcohol withdrawal
• History of alcohol use within 24 hours
• Ability to consent to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unwillingness to participate in the study
• Active abuse of other CNS depressants
• Acute intoxication with a CNS activating agent
• Severe hepatic dysfunction
• Pregnancy
• History of dementia