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What Are The Various Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms?

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Posted on Mon, 26 Oct 2015
Question: I am an alcoholic and decided to quit drinking. i havent had a drink for about 24 hours. Is it safe to say that if I have only experianced mild anxity to this point, that I most likely wont experiance major withdrawal?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (28 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question.

I'd like to get more information in order to answer this correctly and safely. How much do you drink on a typical day? How long have you been drinking on a daily basis? Have you ever experienced withdrawal, seizures, DTs before? Have you ever gone through a detox?

Withdrawal is a process that can begin anywhere from a day to several days after the last drink. Typically worst effects will happen within the first 72 hours, bu DTs can happen anywhere from a week to a few weeks after the last drink. To answer your question, 24 hours is probably too soon to tell. But the other information I requested would be helpful.

I see you have asked many premium questions before. I'd like to offer you the chance to become my private patient, so I can take care of you longitudinally. To reach me directly, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina
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Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (9 hours later)
A typical day would be 8 beers and a couple shots of whiskey. I naver had any kind if withdrawal before but didnt drink quite as much. Been drinking this much for a year or so on an almost daily basis. I take Ativan in the mornings to help with anxiety.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (52 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Follow-up

Detailed Answer:
The amount of alcohol and duration you have been drinking means you will very likely experience withdrawal with potentially serious symptoms including seizure and death. This needs to be closely monitored, most likely in an inpatient setting, although close management by daily visits with an outpatient doctor might also be possible. You need to take Ativan 2mg every 4 hours for vital sign abnormalities (which can really only be measured properly by a healthcare professional) as well as tremor, sweating, anxiety. My advice is to take this very seriously as there are major risks to your health involved. Detox will absolutely save your life in the long run, but it needs to be closely monitored now, for at least a week while the window for serious complications is open.

To reach me directly, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (49 minutes later)
well i have a blood pressure monitor and my BP is fine. this morning i dont have any trembling or anything like that. i will monitor these closely. if my vitals stay normal am i safe to do this from home?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (3 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Follow-up

Detailed Answer:
You should take Ativan 2mg every four hours for systolic >150 or diastolic >100, or heart rate >100. Doing this on your own is dangerous and my official recommendation is to visit a doctor or hospital to monitor this regularly. If you understand that the risk of doing this alone includes seizure and death, and are willing to accept that risk, then I recommend monitoring your vitals at least every 4 hours. If you have questions or concerns along the way I am available for you to reach me for advice and assistance.

To reach me directly, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
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Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2014

Answered : 2236 Questions

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What Are The Various Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms?

Brief Answer: Consultation Detailed Answer: Thanks for your question. I'd like to get more information in order to answer this correctly and safely. How much do you drink on a typical day? How long have you been drinking on a daily basis? Have you ever experienced withdrawal, seizures, DTs before? Have you ever gone through a detox? Withdrawal is a process that can begin anywhere from a day to several days after the last drink. Typically worst effects will happen within the first 72 hours, bu DTs can happen anywhere from a week to a few weeks after the last drink. To answer your question, 24 hours is probably too soon to tell. But the other information I requested would be helpful. I see you have asked many premium questions before. I'd like to offer you the chance to become my private patient, so I can take care of you longitudinally. To reach me directly, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers