Alcohol withdrawal management
Alcohol withdrawal management - appropriate processes for the management of alcohol withdrawal.
GHB is a naturally occurring neurotransmitter which is a GHB receptor agonist, and is a weak GABA-b agonist. At low dose, it causes euphoria. It is sedative and amnestic. It has a narrow therapeutic window and overdose can result in cardio-respiratory arrest.
In Australia, it is used mostly recreationally. However regular heavy use can result in the development of dependence and in these situations sudden cessation can result in a withdrawal syndrome.
Gamma butyrolactone (GBL) and 1,4 butanediol (BD) are precursors of GHB. They are rapidly metabolised to GHB and in effect have identical clinical features. GBL is thought to be about twice as potent as GHB, with quicker onset and decay in action. 1,4 butanediol is slower in onset of action than GHB.
GHB has a short half-life and is often not detected by urine toxicology screening tests. It can be detected using mass spectroscopy, but delays in this process make screening not that useful clinically. Diagnosis is therefore based on history either from the patient or from third parties.
GHB is a colourless, odourless liquid of variable concentration. A standard illicit dose is around 1 to 2mL but the therapeutic window is narrow.
Toxicity depends on dose, the person’s weight, tolerance, individual susceptibility, and other substances the person has consumed. In the context of illicit drugs where concentrations and doses are approximate at best, it is difficult to predict dose-effect profiles. Doses in excess of 2mls are likely to be increasingly toxic with sedation and cardiorespiratory depression.
Features of GHB withdrawal are similar to alcohol withdrawal. Withdrawal severity varies considerably from mild through to severe. A small number develop prominent delirium and psychotic features, sometimes needing intensive care.
Bell et al (1) describe criteria based on expert opinion which might place an individual at risk of withdrawal if:
Severity of withdrawal relates to amount used. 4mls per day is likely to be a low threshold for withdrawal. Those people using more than 30mls per day are very likely to experience severe withdrawal.
Common features of withdrawal usually appear six to 24 hours after the patient’s last drink and include:
Other signs of withdrawal syndrome include:
More severe withdrawal can be prolonged.
Agitated delirium can be the primary presentation. This can be confused with intoxication with a hallucinogen or stimulant.
On occasions with severe withdrawal, rhabdomyolysis with secondary renal failure can occur.
Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome has been described in association with GHB withdrawal.
Withdrawal management focuses on:
Take a drug and alcohol history.
Thorough assessment is required to exclude serious medical conditions which may simulate the abovementioned features of withdrawal.
Determine pre-existing medical conditions. (These would include severe liver disease, severe COPD or severe OSA). Try to obtain some corroborative history.
Undertake a comprehensive physical examination.
Investigations as indicated. Not required if mild withdrawal anticipated.
Inpatient management is generally indicated if patients:
Seek advice via DACAS (Drug and Alcohol Clinical Advisory Service on 7087 1742 or if non urgent email HealthDACASEnquiries@sa.gov.au)
A validated instrument such as the CIWA-Ar (PDF 45KB) should be used to assess withdrawal severity and track changes in withdrawal over time, as per Statewide Clinical Guideline for Management of Patients at risk of Alcohol Withdrawal.
Diazepam as per CIWA-Ar score for alcohol withdrawal. Lorazepam may need to be considered if severe liver disease; respiratory compromise e.g. severe COPD or OSA or in the elderly population group. (1mg lorazepam = approx. 10mg diazepam)
If the GHB withdrawal is planned then milder levels of withdrawal can be managed in community settings (2).
If community withdrawal management being considered then:
Assess the patient at least daily face to face.
Ensure that the other responsible person knows who to call for advice, and has a letter outlining the current treatment plan for an Emergency Department if this is part of the plan.
If withdrawal not controlled within the first 12 hours, (eg CIWA-Ar score > 8) consider transfer to hospital.
Commence diazepam as soon as subjective withdrawal is being experienced.
Day 1 Diazepam 10mg 6 hourly
Day 2 Diazepam 10mg 6 hourly
Day 3 Diazepam 10mg 8 hourly
Day 4 Diazepam 10mg 12 hourly
Day 5 Diazepam 5mg mane - 10mg nocte
Day 6 Diazepam 5mg 12 hourly
Day 7 Diazepam 5mg nocte
Withhold medication and seek advice from clinician if sedation score 2 or more (unable to remain awake).
S Seek medical attention immediately if you have taken too much GHB/GBL. Do not use other drugs in the hope of reversing the effects.
T Two or more substances used at the same time increase the risk of overdose Significantly (especially sedatives e.g. alcohol, ketamine).
A Always measure GHB/GBL doses accurately (use for example syringes or pipettes). Wait until the effects are felt and do not re-dose for at least two hours.
Y You should avoid using GBL on your own and always use in a safe place and with someone who has not taken it, as it is common to become unconscious.
I If you have used and are going to sleep, sleep on your side in case you are sick. Place sleeping or unconscious friends in the recovery position.
N Never drink GHB/GBL straight out of a bottle or pour a dose straight out of a bottle. Always dilute in water and add food colouring to avoid accidental drinking. Never keep GBL in drinks bottles, especially in public venues, where it might be drunk by others not aware of the content.
G GHB/GBL is physically addictive and dependence can happen quickly. Avoid frequent use, especially daily use.
S Severe and potentially serious GHB/GBL withdrawal symptoms occur if you are dependent and you miss a dose or reduce amounts taken abruptly.
A Acute withdrawal symptoms and have no GHB/GBL? Seek medical help immediately in an emergency department. It can be a very serious medical emergency.
F Find a medical support for planned GHB/GBL detoxification. Do not attempt to stop abruptly on your own. If you want to reduce your dose, do so in very small doses until you find medical support.
E Employ methods to stabilise your use; consumption diaries can be very helpful. Keep a GHB/GBL diary and record of your doses and times you use.
Telephone: (08) 7087 1742 — 24 hours 7 days/week including public holidays or e-mail your enquiry to: HealthDACASEnquiries@sa.gov.au. Out of these hours, medically urgent calls from a hospital based Medical Consultant or country hospital medical officer/GP will always receive a response.
This service does not provide proxy medical cover and cannot assume responsibility for direct patient care.
(1) Bell J, Collins R. Gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) dependence and withdrawal. Addiction. 2011 Feb;106(2):442–7. doi: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2010.03145.x.
(2) McDonough M, Kennedy N, Glasper A, Bearn J. Clinical features and management of gammahydroxybutyrate (GHB) withdrawal: a review. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2004 ;75:3– 9.
(3) Abdulrahim D & Bowden-Jones O, on behalf of the NEPTUNE Expert Group. Guidance on the Management of Acute and Chronic Harms of Club Drugs and Novel Psychoactive Substances. Novel Psychoactive Treatment UK Network (NEPTUNE). London, 2015.
Other references
Rama M. Kamal et.al. Pharmacological Treatment in c-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and c-Butyrolactone (GBL) Dependence: Detoxification and Relapse Prevention. CNS Drugs (2017) 31:51–64
Christopher N. Floyd & David M. Wood & Paul I. Dargan. Baclofen in gamma-hydroxybutyrate withdrawal: patterns of use and online availability. European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology (2018) 74:349–356