Successful management of prolonged gamma-hydroxybutyrate and alcohol withdrawal

Pharmacotherapy. 2001 Feb;21(2):254-7. doi: 10.1592/phco.21.2.254.34110.

Abstract

A 27-year-old man was admitted with tremulousness, diaphoresis, tachypnea (28 breaths/min), full-body rigidity, irritability, paranoia, and auditory and visual hallucinations 2 days after stopping long-term gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and 8 hours after stopping alcohol intake. He received intravenous fluids and tapering dosages of lorazepam to control agitation and rigidity, and recovered with no significant sequelae after 8 days. Abrupt cessation of GHB after high-dosage abuse can precipitate a clinically significant withdrawal syndrome. Lorazepam should be considered for treatment of GHB withdrawal. Concomitant alcohol abuse may mask early GHB withdrawal symptoms and exacerbate withdrawal.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anesthetics, Intravenous / adverse effects
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use*
  • Central Nervous System Depressants / adverse effects
  • Ethanol / adverse effects
  • Fluid Therapy*
  • Hallucinations / chemically induced
  • Hallucinations / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Lorazepam / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Muscle Rigidity / chemically induced
  • Muscle Rigidity / drug therapy
  • Sodium Oxybate / adverse effects
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / psychology
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / therapy*

Substances

  • Anesthetics, Intravenous
  • Anticonvulsants
  • Central Nervous System Depressants
  • Ethanol
  • Sodium Oxybate
  • Lorazepam