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Medical Health Encyclopedia
Delirium tremens
From Healthscout's partner site on depression, HealthCentral.com
DT's; Alcohol withdrawal - delirium tremens Treatment The goals of treatment are to:
A hospital stay is required. The health care team will regularly check:
Symptoms such as seizures and heart arrhythmias are treated with the following medications:
![]() The patient may need to be put into a sedated state for a week or more until withdrawal is complete. Benzodiazepine medications such as diazepam or lorazepam are often used. These drugs also help treat seizures, anxiety, and tremors. Antipsychotic medications such as haloperidol may sometimes be necessary for persons with hallucinations. Long-term preventive treatment should begin after the patient recovers from acute symptoms. This may involve a "drying out" period, in which no alcohol is allowed. Total and lifelong abstinence is recommended for most people who go through withdrawal. The person should receive treatment for alcohol use or alcoholism, including:
The patient should be tested, and if necessary, treated for other medical problems associated with alcohol use. Such problems may include:
Support Groups For additional resources, see alcoholism support group. Expectations (prognosis) Delirium tremens is serious and may be life threatening. Symptoms such as sleeplessness, feeling tired, and emotional instability may persist for a year or more. Complications
Calling your health care provider Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have symptoms. Delirium tremens is an emergency condition.
Review Date: 03/03/2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). ![]() | ||||||||||||||
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