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alcohol withdrawal syndrome
by Barbara, Dec 31, 1999 12:00AM
Dear Doctor,
I recently went through out-patient treatment for alcohol dependency and went through some withdrawal symptoms that don't quite match those listed in the literature.
The withdrawal began in the first 24 hours with the usual tremors, and ill feeling etc. After 72 hours, I became quite disoriented but not to the severity of calling it delirium.
During day-s 4-10, I had violent shaking attacks that seemed like convulsions but I never lost consciousness. During the attacks I could not move my body because of the violent shaking but I could say a few short words through gritted teeth if necessary such as, "Don't touch me". The attacks averaged between 8-10 minutes in duration and sometimes came two or three in a row. After the shaking died down I had difficulty moving for about 30 minutes due to weakness and pain. After that I would be lethargic, slow moving and uncoordinated for a while.
Librium helped keep the attacks and tremors down quite a bit but when it would wear off the attacks would hit again.
My question is whether that sort of convulsive shaking is a normal part of alcohol withdrawal syndrome and whether it would be considered a form of seizure even though not the typical generalized seizures listed in the symptoms manuals?
I also would like to know if it is relatively safe for me to go through out-patient treatment the next time around if by chance I ever have a relapse?
Thank you,
Barbara
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Thank you Doctor for responding to my questions I do appreciate the public service you are providing on this forum.
I am sorry too that you can not answer the questions.
My treatment providers consist of a primary care physician I saw only twice over a month time period and a health preventive care nutritionist I have been seeing on a weekly basis since October. I only met them at the time I called for an appointment and asked for help with my alcohol problem. I rarely have had to go to the doctor in the past. I am only 43 and in good health otherwise.
My primary care physician never gave me an answer, just acted as if everything was normal. He liked to babble about other in-patients with weird symtoms from the DT's such as hallucinations and so on. He just recently moved to Africa.
My nutritionist is just that, he placed me on a steady diet of vitamins and excercise. He admits knowing very little about alcohol withdrawal, but figures it's nothing for me to worry about since the symptoms only come during the times of alcohol withdrawal.
This is all my HMO provides for alcohol or drug problems, so I figured I would try the internet on a long shot.
I am trying my hardest to stay away from alcohol so I hope not to have to worry about this problem again.
Thanks again for your advice.
Barbara
I also went through an inpatient treatment facility and had a siesure. I have quit before on my own and never experienced what I did in the clinic. The people in the facility (through my HMO) gave me numerous pills. I really couldn't even tell you what I took. They said I had high blood pressure and gave me pills for that as well as detox meds and vitamins...I assume. Anyway, they tried numerous times to put an IV into my hand and bruised it all to h---!!! I was miserable. I will never do it again. You, having your difficulties, just makes me think of your caretakers. I just cannot think of anything else. I think the doctor you emailed feels the same. You need help. You need proper treatment. HMO care really is not the way to go. Take it from me! It stinks!!
A friend.....
I have been suffering from anxiety for Two years now and have been onfluvoxamine and Xanax and am having pherapy.
I got addicted to alcohol to relieve the anxiety, but then relised it was only a temporary measure and relief and the next day I would feel worse. So I decided to stop drinking from yesterday. And have not digusted this with my pherapist.
Am I doing the right thing by stopping drinking completley
Many thanks Joseph
hope this help.....
Furio