Alcohol withdrawal syndrome

Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome is the set of symptoms seen when an individual reduces or stops alcohol consumption after prolonged periods of excessive alcohol intake. Excessive abuse of alcohol leads to tolerance, physical dependence, and an alcohol withdrawal syndrome. The withdrawal syndrome is largely due to the central nervous system being in a hyper-excitable state. Unlike most withdrawals from other drugs, alcohol withdrawal can be fatal. The Withdrawal syndrome can include seizures and delirium tremens and may lead to excito-neurotoxicity.
Sedative-hypnotics such as alcohol are well known for their propensity to induce physiological dependence. Alcohol withdrawal occurs as a result of neuro-adaptation resulting from chronic exposure to alcohol. A withdrawal syndrome occurs upon declining blood levels of alcohol which can be alleviated by reintroduction of alcohol or a cross-tolerant agent. Alcohol withdrawal is characterised by neuropsychiatric excitability and autonomic disturbances similar to other sedative-hypnotic drugs. Dependence on other sedative-hypnotics increases the severity of the withdrawal syndrome.

Withdrawal symptoms include the following:

* Agitation[8]
* Alcoholic hallucinosis[5]
* Anorexia[8]
* Anxiety and panic attacks[5][9]
* Catatonia[10]
* Confusion[5]
* Delirium tremens[5]
* Depression[11][12]
* Derealization
* Diaphoresis[8]
* Diarrhea[8]
* Euphoria[5]
* Fear[5]
* Gastrointestinal upset[8]
* Hallucinations[8]
* Headache[8]
* Hypertension[8]
* Insomnia[8]
* Irritability[5]
* Nausea and vomiting[13]
* Palpitations[8]
* Psychosis[5][14]
* Rebound REM sleep[15]
* Restlessness[5]
* Seizures and death[8]
* Sweating[8]
* Tachycardia[8]
* Tremors[8]
* Weakness[8]
* Hyperthermia(fever)