Drug addicts usually fear getting a detox due to its unfriendly withdrawal symptoms. While withdrawal symptoms are mostly physical, some people may experience mental health issues. Surprisingly, there exists a drug for alcohol withdrawal. The FDA-approved detox drug works safely and effectively. The drug is also comfortable and lacks side effects. Everyone who enters detox should receive an evaluation by a doctor. This will help to determine the correct drug for alcohol withdrawal.
Alcohol addicts must also visit a psychiatrist, to make sure they lack any mental health issues. The psychiatrist prescribes medications to ensure mental health and psychiatric issues are properly handled.
Common medications for alcohol withdrawal
- Acamprosate
Acamprosate is an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of alcoholism. It is among the best drugs for alcohol withdrawal according to the FDA. It treats alcohol use disorder and reduces the brain’s dependence on alcohol. This drug can interact with the brain’s neurotransmitter systems to reduce alcohol dependence.
- Antiadrenergic agents
Antiadrenergic agents are drugs that block epinephrine and norepinephrine signals. These include drugs like clonidine and propranolol. These medications help during the detox process to treat the withdrawal symptoms from alcohol.
- Anticonvulsants
Some common anticonvulsant drugs to help with withdrawal symptoms from alcohol include Depakote or Tegretol. Other popular anticonvulsants are phenobarbital, levetiracetam (Keppra), and clonazepam (Klonopin.) Anticonvulsants work in different ways to prevent seizures.
- Antidepressants
Antidepressants are another type of drug for alcohol withdrawal. This medication helps relieve depression, social anxiety from alcohol withdrawal. Antidepressants can regulate the chemical imbalances in the brain. Common examples of antidepressants are Celexa, Lexapro, Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft.
- Antipsychotics
Alcohol patients receiving detox experience certain co-occurring or psychiatric issues. The physician at this point may prescribe antipsychotic medication. Antipsychotic medications may help with alcohol withdrawal symptoms such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, and other psychiatric issues.
While these medications won’t cure psychosis, they can regulate many psychotic symptoms, such as delusions, and hallucinations. They may also help to treat withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and major agitation in patients. Common antipsychotics in detox for drugs and alcohol include olanzapine, Risperdal, Seroquel, Abilify, and Clozaril.
- Benzodiazepines
These tranquilizers are popular for their sedating effects. They usually work to treat anxiety, panic disorders, seizures, and insomnia. Common benzodiazepines drugs include Ativan (lorazepam), chlordiazepoxide, Valium, and Xanax. They are a popular drug for alcohol withdrawal.
However, since benzodiazepines are addictive, many people seek drug detox and treatment for benzodiazepine addiction. Therefore, you should be careful when using it for alcohol detox. These medications work effectively through detox but avoid misusing them or it can cause addiction.
Bottom line
If you experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms like depression, then use a drug for alcohol withdrawal. Your decision to use a specific medication for alcohol withdrawal should be based on the advice of your doctor. Always consult a doctor to know your experience, medical history, family history, craving, and triggers for drinking. Sometimes if one medication doesn’t work, try an alternative medication.
