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What Is The Ideal BP And Pulse Rate While Detoxing And Weaning Off Alcohol?

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Posted on Tue, 9 Jun 2015
Question: Home alcohol detoxing family member unexpectedly. 2 days in, truth about amount daily consumed just came out, 1/2 gallon every 2 days vodka. Vital signs all over the place (have a wrist np cuff), please tell me what BP & Pulse numbers require 911 for unwilling alcoholic? Also, she came with these medications: klonopin 0.5 mg, metoprolol 50 mg, citalopram 40 mg & Cipro 500 mg (UTI). I can't force her to go & she wants to slowly taper off alcohol here. Please just tell me if the meds together are ok & what vital signs are an emergency?
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Answered by Dr. Chintan Solanki (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
pulse more than 140/minute and BP more than 160 mm Hg

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for writing to us.

First of all I appreciate decision of quitting alcohol.

If her pulse rate more than 140 per minute and blood pressure is more than 160/less than 90 mm hg mmHg systolic and more than 96/less than 60 mmHg diastolic then you should consider emergency visit. However at any time she feel more discomfort, excessive tremors, giddiness, disorientation, restlessness and lots of sweating though vital signs are under control go to emergency.

I do not prefer alcohol detoxification at home if alcohol intake is more than 2 years; if there is history of severe withdrawal in past; or patient has other co morbid physical problems.

Metoprolol, citalopram and ciplo are ok. But klonopin should be given with caution. It has same effects like alcohol and can cause more sedation. Restrict the dose of the same according to prescription and give the same in divided dosage.
Though you did not mention age and duration of intake, considering her quantity of intake I recommend detoxification under medical supervision. If she can taper off without much discomfort on her own it is ok.

Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further.

Regards,

Dr.Chintan Solanki.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Dr. Chintan Solanki

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Practicing since :2007

Answered : 2406 Questions

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What Is The Ideal BP And Pulse Rate While Detoxing And Weaning Off Alcohol?

Brief Answer: pulse more than 140/minute and BP more than 160 mm Hg Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for writing to us. First of all I appreciate decision of quitting alcohol. If her pulse rate more than 140 per minute and blood pressure is more than 160/less than 90 mm hg mmHg systolic and more than 96/less than 60 mmHg diastolic then you should consider emergency visit. However at any time she feel more discomfort, excessive tremors, giddiness, disorientation, restlessness and lots of sweating though vital signs are under control go to emergency. I do not prefer alcohol detoxification at home if alcohol intake is more than 2 years; if there is history of severe withdrawal in past; or patient has other co morbid physical problems. Metoprolol, citalopram and ciplo are ok. But klonopin should be given with caution. It has same effects like alcohol and can cause more sedation. Restrict the dose of the same according to prescription and give the same in divided dosage. Though you did not mention age and duration of intake, considering her quantity of intake I recommend detoxification under medical supervision. If she can taper off without much discomfort on her own it is ok. Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further. Regards, Dr.Chintan Solanki.