A double blind randomised comparison of chlordiazepoxide and lorazepam in alcohol withdrawal

Abstract Aim To compare the efficacy of lorazepam and chlordiazepoxide in alcohol withdrawal in a double blind design. Methods The study sample consisted of 108 consecutive admissions to the de addiction ward, which after informed consent and selection based on inclusion criteria, were randomised to two groups. A comparison of the efficacy of chlordiazepoxide and lorazepam was done post randomisation. The initial withdrawal assessment and subsequent progress of withdrawal were assessed using Clinical Institute Assessment for Alcohol-revised (CIWA-Ar). The rate of withdrawal and total duration of withdrawal were compared among the two groups. Results Lorazepam treated group showed a significant difference in the rate of improvement over 48 h compared to chlordiazepoxide group (70.4% vs. 54.8%; p = 0.000). The total duration of withdrawal was also significantly lesser with lorazepam (5.6 days vs. 6.7 days; p = 0.001). Conclusion Lorazepam is more effective than chlordiazepoxide in alcohol withdrawal in both a faster rate in the drop of withdrawal severity and lessening the total duration of withdrawal.