Seizure medicines for alcohol abuse and dependence

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Seizure medicines for alcohol abuse and dependence

Seizure medicines are normally used to treat seizures, but they are also used successfully to treat mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms during detoxification from alcohol dependence. Currently, there is good evidence that carbamazepine (for example, Tegretol), valproate (for example, Depakote), and phenytoin (for example, Dilantin) are effective in reducing the severity of withdrawal symptoms and emotional distress related to withdrawal.¹ Seizure medicines can be used safely over a long period of time.

Side effects of seizure medicines can include:

Weight gain.
Hair loss.
Tremor or shakiness.
Birth defects in your fetus if you are pregnant.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

References

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Citations
Kosten TR, O'Connor PG (2003). Management of drug and alcohol withdrawal. New England Journal of Medicine, 348(18): 1786–1795.

Credits

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Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Paul Lehnert
Editor	Roya Camp
Editor	Katy E. Magee, MA
Associate Editor	Terrina Vail
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	James R. McKay, PhD - Psychology
Last Updated	February 15, 2008

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Last updated:	February 15, 2008
Author:	Paul Lehnert
Reviewed By:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine, James R. McKay, PhD - Psychology
Editors:	Katy E. Magee, MA, Terrina Vail

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