Benzos or Barbs? Current Controversies in the Management of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome-Benzos or Barbs? Current Controversies in the Management of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome

Benzos or Barbs? Current Controversies in the Management of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The webcast "Benzos or Barbs: Current Controversies in the Management of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome" was moderated by Dr. Michael Buescher from Bridgeport Hospital. It featured presentations by Dr. Cassidy Dahn of New York University Langone Medical Center, advocating for phenobarbital, and Dr. Nick Peters of Indiana University Health Methodist Hospital, supporting benzodiazepines as the primary treatment for alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Dr. Dahn highlighted phenobarbital's pharmacological advantages, such as direct GABA channel activation, dual action mechanism, and favorable pharmacokinetics. She also pointed to studies indicating phenobarbital's efficacy in reducing ICU stays and hospital length without increasing adverse events. Dr. Peters emphasized benzodiazepines' historical foundation in evidence-based medicine, with multiple placebo-controlled studies supporting their use as first-line treatment. He discussed challenges with phenobarbital, such as administration logistics and guideline support. Both presenters acknowledged the existing gaps in research and stressed the need for more robust studies to determine optimal treatment protocols. The session concluded with a Q&A, addressing practical aspects of managing alcohol withdrawal, including mixed intoxication scenarios, dosing practices, and the use of adjunctive therapies.

Keywords

Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome

Phenobarbital

Benzodiazepines

Pharmacological Advantages

Treatment Protocols

ICU Stays

Evidence-Based Medicine

Adjunctive Therapies

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