Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

In cases of suspected alcohol withdrawal delirium, which medication should NOT be used as the primary treatment?

1. Benzodiazepines

2. Barbiturates

3. Antidepressants

4. Antipsychotics

The correct answer is: Antidepressants

In the management of alcohol withdrawal delirium, the primary treatment is typically centered around the use of benzodiazepines and, in some cases, barbiturates, as these medications aid in stabilizing the patient and alleviating withdrawal symptoms. The primary goal is to prevent the progression of withdrawal symptoms, including seizures and delirium. Antidepressants are not suitable for the primary treatment of alcohol withdrawal delirium because they do not address the acute withdrawal symptoms effectively. While they may be beneficial in treating underlying depressive symptoms or other mood disorders, they lack the rapid action required to manage the immediate physiological effects associated with alcohol withdrawal. Benzodiazepines and barbiturates work on the central nervous system to calm the excitability brought on by withdrawal, while antipsychotics might be considered for managing severe agitation or psychosis during delirium but are not first-line agents for withdrawal symptoms themselves. Thus, antidepressants are not conducive to immediate withdrawal management and should not be used as the primary treatment option.