A 50-year-old man with no past psychiatric history presents with tremor, diaphoresis, tachycardia and agitation 12 hours after abruptly stopping heavy...

Question

A 50-year-old man with no past psychiatric history presents with tremor, diaphoresis, tachycardia and agitation 12 hours after abruptly stopping heavy alcohol intake. He is oriented but anxious and has BP 160/95 mm Hg. What is the most appropriate initial pharmacologic treatment?

Accepted Answer

Long-acting benzodiazepine such as diazepam titrated to symptoms

Answer

High-dose antipsychotics

Answer

Haloperidol monotherapy

Answer

Beta-blockers alone

Answer

No medication; observe only

ca-mccqe1 MCQ (SBA): Alcohol withdrawal management

A 50-year-old man with no past psychiatric history presents with tremor, diaphoresis, tachycardia and agitation 12 hours after abruptly stopping heavy alcohol intake. He is oriented but anxious and has BP 160/95 mm Hg. What is the most appropriate initial pharmacologic treatment?