A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Dose Range Study of Dexmedetomidine as Adjunctive Therapy for Alcohol Withdrawal*

Abstract

Adjunctive dexmedetomidine for severe alcohol withdrawal maintains symptom control and reduces lorazepam exposure in the short term, but not long term, when using a symptom-triggered protocol. Monitoring for bradycardia is needed with dexmedetomidine but the occurrence may be lessened with low dose. Further study is needed to evaluate the clinical impact of dexmedetomidine.