A comparative study of fixed tapering dose regimen versus symptom-triggered regimen of lorazepam for alcohol detoxification.

AIMS: The study aimed at comparing the fixed tapering dose and the symptom-triggered regimens of lorazepam for alcohol detoxification.

METHODS: We carried out a prospective, randomized, double blind controlled trial involving 63 consecutive consenting male patients admitted with diagnosis of uncomplicated alcohol withdrawal. The patients were randomized into two groups based on the type of lorazepam dosage: symptom-triggered (n = 33) and fixed tapering dose regimens (n = 30). Alcohol withdrawal symptoms were rated on CIWA-Ar (Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment - Alcohol revised). The main outcome measures were the total amount and duration of lorazepam treatment and the incidence of adverse events or complications.

RESULTS: The mean lorazepam dose administered in the symptom-triggered group was significantly lower than in the fixed tapering dose group (9.5 versus 19.9 mg, P < 0.001) and for a significantly shorter duration of time (47.8 versus 146 h, P < 0.001) with more significant results for higher initial CIWA-Ar scores. There were no significant differences between both the groups in terms of the incidence of complications like seizures or delirium tremens.

CONCLUSION: Symptom-triggered lorazepam treatment for alcohol withdrawal resulted in administration of lower total doses of medication for a shorter duration of treatment and was as safe as the fixed tapering dose.