From the Guidelines
Dizziness is a symptom of alcohol withdrawal, typically occurring within 6-24 hours after the last drink, as the body adjusts to the absence of alcohol and the brain becomes hyperactive. When someone who regularly consumes alcohol stops drinking, their body can experience various withdrawal symptoms, including dizziness, due to the sudden removal of alcohol's suppressive effects on brain activity. The nervous system, which had adapted to alcohol's presence, becomes overstimulated, leading to symptoms like anxiety, tremors, headache, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, and in severe cases, seizures or delirium tremens 1.
Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal
- Increased blood pressure and pulse rate
- Tremors
- Hyperreflexia
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
The severity of dizziness and other withdrawal symptoms depends on factors like how much and how long someone has been drinking. For those experiencing alcohol withdrawal, it's essential to seek medical help, as withdrawal can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening. Medical professionals can provide medications like benzodiazepines to manage symptoms and prevent complications, with long-acting benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, chlordiazepoxide) being the most effective in reducing withdrawal symptoms and the risk of seizures and/or delirium tremens 1. Staying hydrated and getting proper nutrition can also help alleviate dizziness during withdrawal.
Treatment of Alcohol Withdrawal
- Benzodiazepines for symptom management and prevention of seizures and delirium tremens
- Symptom-triggered regimen rather than fixed dose schedule to prevent drug accumulation
- Long-acting benzodiazepines for moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms
- Short and intermediate-acting benzodiazepines for elderly patients and those with hepatic dysfunction
- Thiamine supplementation to prevent diminished cognitive function due to thiamine deficiency 1
From the FDA Drug Label
Acute withdrawal signs and symptoms associated with benzodiazepines have included abnormal involuntary movements, anxiety, blurred vision, depersonalization, depression, derealization, dizziness, fatigue, gastrointestinal adverse reactions (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, decreased appetite), headache, hyperacusis, hypertension, irritability, insomnia, memory impairment, muscle pain and stiffness, panic attacks, photophobia, restlessness, tachycardia, and tremor The following adverse reactions have occurred with benzodiazepine abuse and/or misuse: abdominal pain, amnesia, anorexia, anxiety, aggression, ataxia, blurred vision, confusion, depression, disinhibition, disorientation, dizziness, euphoria, impaired concentration and memory, indigestion, irritability, muscle pain, slurred speech, tremors, and vertigo
Dizziness is mentioned as part of the symptoms associated with benzodiazepine abuse and/or misuse, as well as acute withdrawal signs and symptoms. However, the question asks if dizziness is part of alcohol withdrawal.
- The provided drug labels do not directly address alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
- They discuss benzodiazepine abuse, misuse, dependence, and withdrawal. The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
- Dizziness is not explicitly mentioned as a symptom of alcohol withdrawal in the provided studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, symptoms such as anxiety, tremors, diaphoresis, nausea, and vomiting are commonly associated with alcohol withdrawal 4.
- Severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can include hallucinations, seizures, and delirium tremens 3, 4, 5.
- Benzodiazepines are often used to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms, including seizures and anxiety 2, 3, 5, 6.
Treatment of Alcohol Withdrawal
- Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam and lorazepam, are commonly used to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms 2, 3, 5, 6.
- The choice of benzodiazepine may depend on factors such as the severity of symptoms, patient demographics, and medication availability 6.
- Other medications, such as barbiturates, ketamine, and propofol, may also be used to treat severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms 4.
Comparison of Benzodiazepines
- A study comparing injectable diazepam and lorazepam found that both medications were equally efficacious in treating severe alcohol withdrawal 6.
- However, lorazepam may be preferred due to its lower cost 6.
- Another study found that benzodiazepines offered a large benefit against alcohol withdrawal seizures compared to placebo 5.