====== Benzodiazepine for alcohol withdrawal syndrome ======


[[Benzodiazepine]]s (BDZs) is the mainstay for [[alcohol withdrawal syndrome]] treatment. They reduce [[autonomic hyperactivity]] and may prevent [[seizure]]s and/or [[delirium tremens]]. All BDZs are effective. Initial doses are higher than those used for treating [[anxiety]]. Symptom triggered dosing with repeated evaluation utilizing a standardized protocol (e.g. CIWA-Ar
((Sullivan JT, Sykora K, Schneiderman J, et al. Assessment of Alcohol Withdrawal: The Revised Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol Scale (CIWA-Ar). Br J Addict. 1989; 84:1353–1357))) 
may be more efficacious than fixed-dose schedules
((Saitz R, Mayo-Smith MF, Roberts MS, et al. Individualized Treatment for Alcohol Withdrawal: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial. JAMA. 1994; 272:519–523))

Avoid IM administration (erratic absorption).