Gamma-hydroxybutyrate effective for treatment of alcohol withdrawal and prevention of relapses

January 01, 0001

Gamma-hydroxybutyrate effective for treatment of alcohol withdrawal and prevention of relapses

Clinical Question:How effective is gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome and the prevention of relapses?

Bottom line: GHB 50mg is effective compared with placebo in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome, and in preventing relapses in previously detoxified alcoholics at 3 months follow-up. However, the results of this review do not provide sufficient evidence in favour of GHB compared with benzodiazepines or chlormethiazole for the prevention of alcohol withdrawal syndrome. GHB is better than naltrexone and disulfiram in maintaining abstinence and it has a better effect on craving than placebo or disulfiram. Side effects of GHB 50mg/kg/day are limited and manageable, and are not statistically different from those with benzodiazepines, naltrexone or disulfiram.

Caveat: The overall quality of the evidence is generally low. Most trials were from a single country (Italy, n=11), and sample sizes were generally very small (range 17-98 patients). Concern has been raised regarding the risk of developing addiction, misuse or abuse of GHB, especially in polydrug abusers.

Context: Caveat: The main goals for clinical management of alcohol withdrawal are to minimise the severity of symptoms and facilitate entry into a treatment programme so the person can achieve and maintain abstinence from alcohol. Medications used for alcohol withdrawal syndrome include benzodiazepines, anticonvulsants, chlormethiazole and GHB, which was first available as a health food and body-building supplement. Reports of adverse events led to its withdrawal for that purpose. Naltrexone and disulfiram are also used to prevent relapses.

Cochrane Systematic Review: Leone MA et al. Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) for treatment of alcohol withdrawal and prevention of relapses. Cochrane Reviews, 2010, Issue 2. Article No. CD006266.

Cochrane PEARLS Practical Evidence About Real Life Situations. No. 299, January 2011. .
Written by Brian R McAvoy. Published by the Cochrane Primary Care Group

Category: Z. Social Problems. Keywords: alcohol, withdrawal, gamma-hydroxybutyrate, GHB, treatment
Synopsis edited by Dr Linda French, Toledo, Ohio. Posted on Global Family Doctor 10 May 2011

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Pearls are an independent product of the Cochrane primary care group and are meant for educational use and not to guide clinical care.