Halazepam in the management of acute alcohol withdrawal syndrome

Eighty patients admitted to a specialized alcohol detoxification unit, who had blood alcohol levels of .15% or less and were not currently intoxicated, participated in a double-blind trial involving treatment with either halazepam or chlordiazepoxide. A flexible dosage schedule was followed for 5 days with the objective of using the largest dose on the first day, followed by daily reductions as clinically feasible. Efficacy evaluations indicated that halazepam was as effective as chlordiazepoxide in the control of symptoms in patients hospitalized for the medical management of acute alcohol withdrawal. No significant side effects were noted.