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Updated: Jun 14, 2025

Construction of Vapor Chambers Used to Expose Mice to Alcohol During the Equivalent of all Three Trimesters of Human Development
Published on: July 13, 2014
Is Phenobarbital an Effective Treatment for Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome?
Brit Long1, Samuel M Keim2, Michael Gottlieb3
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
Background:
Alcohol use disorder is associated with a variety of complications, including alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS), which may occur in those who decrease or stop alcohol consumption suddenly. AWS is associated with a range of signs and symptoms, which are most commonly treated with GABAergic medications.
Clinical Question:
Is phenobarbital an effective treatment for AWS?
Evidence Review:
Studies retrieved included two prospective, randomized, double-blind studies and three systematic reviews. These studies provided estimates of the effectiveness and safety of phenobarbital for treatment of AWS.
Conclusions:
Based on the available literature, phenobarbital is reasonable to consider for treatment of AWS. Clinicians must consider the individual patient, clinical situation, and comorbidities when selecting a medication for treatment of AWS.
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