Oxcarbazepine in Rapid Benzodiazepine Detoxification

Abstract

Objective: This study aims at evaluating the tolerability and efficacy of the antiepileptic drug oxcarbazepine in benzodiazepine detoxification in ten patients. Methods: In this case study of an inpatient withdrawal program, each of the ten patients was detoxified using oxcarbazepine and completed withdrawal successfully without the occurrence of withdrawal symptoms. The detoxification program followed an outlined dosage scheme with oxcarbazepine increase and benzodiazepine tapering. Results: The rapidity of benzodiazepine detoxification using oxcarbazepine was remarkable, benzodiazepine withdrawal being completed in as little as 11 days. Conclusions: The results support the assumption that oxcarbazepine is a valuable drug for inpatient benzodiazepine withdrawal programs.