Darlene Petersen, MD and Paula Cook, MD

The Addiction Files

Darlene Petersen, MD and Paula Cook, MD

  • Phenobarbital for Alcohol Withdrawal

Phenobarbital for Alcohol Withdrawal

Tuesday 8th August 2023

Learn about Phenobarbital's role in alcohol withdrawal management with Drs. Petersen and Cook. Understand its benefits, risks, and practical use.
Explicit
38 minutes
Informative
Empowering
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About this podcast

The Addiction Files
Author:
Darlene Petersen, MD and Paula Cook, MD
Overview:
Categories:
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Nutritional Pathways to Recovery
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Family Recovery from Addiction
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Episodes:
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Phenobarbital: A New Approach to Alcohol Withdrawal

Episode Overview

  • Phenobarbital's history, mechanism of action, dosing, and side effects explored
  • Caution and informed use emphasized in light of its potential benefits and risks
  • Discussion on its role in alcohol and benzodiazepine withdrawal and impact on patient outcomes
  • Insight into abuse potential, contraindications, and interactions with other medications
Phenobarbital can be very helpful for the treatment of alcohol and/or benzodiazepine withdrawal in the right person. It has some contraindications due to its long half-life and liver metabolism. Cautious and informed use is crucial, as it interacts with many medications and can cause respiratory depression.
Can a medication with a dark past offer new hope for alcohol withdrawal? In this episode of 'The Addiction Files', Dr. Darlene Petersen and Dr. Paula Cook tackle the intriguing use of Phenobarbital in managing inpatient alcohol withdrawal. They break down the drug's history, how it works, and its potential side effects. You'll get a clear picture of the dosing guidelines and how it interacts with other medications, making it a valuable listen for medical professionals.
The hosts don't shy away from discussing the potential for abuse and the critical need for cautious use. Whether you're a seasoned physician or just starting in the field, this episode provides essential insights into a complex issue.