Comparison of zuclopenthixol accuphase, haloperidol and diazepam in alcohol withdrawal symptoms

Objective To compare the efficacy of zuclopenthixol accuphase, haloperidol and diazepam for alcohol withdrawal symptoms (AWS). Materials and  methods This retrospective study was performed in 90 selected in-patient cases admitted to Thanyarak Institute from 1 February till 30 April 2007. There were 3 groups of treatments i.e. group-1 was received diazepam intravenous alone; group-2 received zuclopenthixol accuphase intramuscular add-on diazepam intravenous and group-3 received haloperidol intramuscular add-on diazepam intra-venous.  CIWA-ar was applied to assess AWS, the amount of diazepam, number of the day receiving each drug and adverse effects of the treatment were monitored. Means, percentage were analyzed.  Monitoring scale was compared by ANOVA and Chi square tests. Results Almost were male patients at average age of 46 years old. The severity of AWS was at moderate level.  Zuclopenthixol acuphase add-on diazepam treatment could calm patients more effective than diazepam alone and the amount of diazepam was less significantly.  However when compared with the group of haloperidol add-on diazepam, the results were comparable but it had less adverse effects. Conclusion Zuclopenthixol accuphase intramuscular add-on diazepam intra-venous provided better result in treatment of AWS than diazepam alone and its adverse effects were less than that of haloperidol though the efficacy was comparable.  However further well designed study should be carried out.