Errors in the treatment of delirium tremens

Czech version

Authors: K. Nešpor
Authors‘ workplace: Ředitel: MUDr. Zdeněk Hadra ; Institut postgraduálního vzdělávání ve zdravotnictví ; Mužské oddělení pro léčbu závislostí ; Primář: MUDr. Karel Nešpor, CSc. ; Psychiatrická léčebna Praha –Bohnice
Published in: Prakt. Lék. 2009; 89(6): 301-302
Category: Reviews

Overview

Typical errors in the treatment of delirium tremens are described. They include, among others, incorrect diagnosis and insufficient supply of minerals (especially potassium) and fluids. Treatment with drugs that share a cross-tolerance with alcohol (benzodiazepines or clomethiaziol) should be given in sufficient dosage and their administration should be discontinued only gradually. A calm environment with soft lighting is recommended. The recovery from delirium tremens should be followed by treatment for alcohol dependence. This prevents the recurrence of delirium and enables the effective treatment of somatic problems.

Key words:
delirium tremens, treatment, minerals, fluids, benzodiazepines, clomethiazol

Sources

1. Athen, D. Comparative investigation of chlormethiazole and neuroleptic agents in the treatment of alcoholic delirium. Acta Psychiatr. Scand. Suppl. 1986, 329, p. 167-170.

2. Mayo-Smith, M.F., Beecher, L.H., Fischer, T.L. et al. Management of alcohol withdrawal delirium. An evidence-based practice guideline. Arch. Intern. Med. 2004, 164(13), p. 1405-1412.

3. Remijnse, P.L., Eeckhout, A.M., van Guldener C. Sudden death following a single oral administration of haloperidol Ned. Tijdschr. Geneeskd. 2002, 146(16), p. 768-771.

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Article was published in

General Practitioner

2009 Issue 6