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How Long Should Alcohol Withdrawal And Depression Medication Be Continued?
Question: my dad undergoing treatment for alcohol withdrawal and depression. had haloperidol 0.5mg, neocalm 30mg, fluoxetine 20mg, topamax 50mg a day for initial 3 months. then had baclofen 10 and stablon 12.5 mg three times a day for next three months.
for the first three months he used to drink once in 3-4 days and that too in very small amount.
after three months when baclofen and stablon started , he stopped completely and now dont feel urge to drink and feeling good.
so is it good time to reduce doses?
and what should be the approach ?
for the first three months he used to drink once in 3-4 days and that too in very small amount.
after three months when baclofen and stablon started , he stopped completely and now dont feel urge to drink and feeling good.
so is it good time to reduce doses?
and what should be the approach ?
Brief Answer:
The drugs should not be stopped
Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM
In my opinion the drugs should not be stopped and should be continued for at least 12 months post complete stoppage of alcohol. Even though he has stopped completely and is feeling good still in some individuals long term withdrawal effects of alcohol can be seen even after 6-12 months of stopping the alcohol. These protracted withdrawal symptoms result in relapse. So the drugs should be continued now and this is not the right time to stop.
Baclofen helps to reduce the craving and Stablon will improve the mood. Both these are safe medicines and are free of serious side effects. So no harm in continuing the doses.
Thanks, Hope this helps. Please don't hesitate to ask again for more doubts.
Take care
The drugs should not be stopped
Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM
In my opinion the drugs should not be stopped and should be continued for at least 12 months post complete stoppage of alcohol. Even though he has stopped completely and is feeling good still in some individuals long term withdrawal effects of alcohol can be seen even after 6-12 months of stopping the alcohol. These protracted withdrawal symptoms result in relapse. So the drugs should be continued now and this is not the right time to stop.
Baclofen helps to reduce the craving and Stablon will improve the mood. Both these are safe medicines and are free of serious side effects. So no harm in continuing the doses.
Thanks, Hope this helps. Please don't hesitate to ask again for more doubts.
Take care
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
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