Epidemiology
Etiology
Pathophysiology
Clinical features
Similar features like serotonin syndrome, but without neuromuscular findings (especially prominent clonus and lower limb rigidity/hyperreflexia)
Diagnostics
Treatment
- First-line: benzodiazepines
- Shorter or intermediate-acting (e.g., oxazepam, lorazepam): Consider in patients with a slow metabolism (e.g., the elderly, those with liver failure).
- Longer acting (e.g., chlordiazepoxide, diazepam): preferred in all other patients
Mnemonic
Alcohol, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines all enhance GABA receptors, so their withdrawal syndromes share similar symptoms (seizures, tachycardia, and tremors).