If possible, a family member or friend should support the patient through the next few days of withdrawal. Treatment for Delirium Tremens, Seizures, and Other Severe Symptoms People with symptoms of delirium tremens must be treated immediately. They are usually first given intravenous anti-anxiety medications and their physical condition is stabilized. It is extremely important that fluids be administered. Restraints may be necessary to prevent injury to themselves or others.
Seizures are usually self-limited and treated only with a benzodiazepine.
Because phenytoin may lower blood pressure, the patient's heart should be monitored during treatment. They relieve withdrawal symptoms and make it easier for patients to remain in treatment. The drugs may be administered intravenously or orally, depending on the severity of symptoms. To prevent seizures, the physician may give the patient an initial, or loading, dose of the long-acting drug diazepam with additional doses given every one to two hours thereafter over the period of withdrawal. This regimen can cause very heavy sedation.