Internally Peer Reviewed Over the first 48 hours of cessation from alcohol, several withdrawal syndromes are possible. Seizures Patients who experience seizures during the alcohol withdrawal period may need loading with Phenytoin if they have a history of generalized seizures apart from alcohol withdrawal. One should refer to a general medicine or neurology text for specifics on Phenytoin loading.
Cardiac monitoring is necessary in most instances.
Patients that have seizures only in relation to alcohol withdrawal usually can receive adequate seizure protection from a benzodiazepine taper for alcohol withdrawal. Many patients who drink large amounts of alcohol over extended periods of time do not go into a dangerous withdrawal syndrome once they discontinue alcohol use. One does not need to immediately begin a benzodiazepine taper for theses patients. Rather one should monitor carefully for symptoms severe enough to warrant these medications. Start this protocol when the parameters are met.