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Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports 1/2022

Open Access 01-12-2022 | Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium | Case report

Chlordiazepoxide-induced delirium in a patient undergoing alcohol withdrawal: a case report

Authors: Melissa A. Arabadjief, Omar H. Elsayed, Sabina Bashir, Meenakshi R. Gundumalla, Derek S. Menefee, Cody L. Bergman, Nayeem Z. Moulana, Rif S. El-Mallakh

Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports | Issue 1/2022

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Abstract

Background

Ethanol dependence is associated with a discontinuation withdrawal delirium. Chlordiazepoxide is frequently successfully used in its treatment.

Case presentation

A 27-year-old, Caucasian female with ethanol dependence who had objective symptoms of withdrawal experienced worsening of her delirium after administration of chlordiazepoxide, but improved with lorazepam and cleared with discontinuation of benzodiazepine administration.

Conclusions

Worsening of delirium appears to be related to the specific use of chlordiazepoxide, but the mechanism of this effect is not clear. While this case does not alter the standard care of ethanol dependence, it does alert clinicians that our treatment approach may not be fully benign.
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Metadata
Title
Chlordiazepoxide-induced delirium in a patient undergoing alcohol withdrawal: a case report
Authors
Melissa A. Arabadjief
Omar H. Elsayed
Sabina Bashir
Meenakshi R. Gundumalla
Derek S. Menefee
Cody L. Bergman
Nayeem Z. Moulana
Rif S. El-Mallakh
Publication date
01-12-2022
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Journal of Medical Case Reports / Issue 1/2022
Electronic ISSN: 1752-1947
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-022-03456-x

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