Abrupt cessation or reduction in dose of a sedative-hypnotic agent can produce a characteristic withdrawal syndrome in a dependent individual not dissimilar to that of alcohol withdrawal. Withdrawal syndromes are described for:
- Benzodiazepines
- Barbiturates
- Non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic agents (zolpidem, zopiclone)
- Baclofen
- Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB)
- Chloral hydrate
- Paraldehyde.
References
- Kosten TR, O’Connor PG. Management of drug and alcohol withdrawal. New England Journal of Medicine 2003; 348:1786-1795.
- Olmedo R, Hoffman RS. Withdrawal syndromes. Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America 2000; 18(2):273-288.
- Leo RJ, Baer D. Delirium associated with baclofen withdrawal: A review of common presentations and management strategies. Psychosomatics 2005; 46: 503-507.
- McDonough M, Kennedy N, Glasper A et al. Clinical features of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) withdrawal: a review. Drug and Alcohol Dependence 2004; 75:3-9.
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