What OTC Alcohol Withdrawal Medications Can Help Stop Drinking?

Medications like Phenobarbital serve as a critical second-line defense for severe, refractory cases, highlighting the need for a treatment plan that can adapt to the patient’s response. These services can also assist in the process of alcohol detox and help with the development of coping skills to prevent setbacks. When you’re experiencing alcohol withdrawal, your doctor will likely prescribe benzodiazepines as the primary treatment, with lorazepam, diazepam, or chlordiazepoxide being the most common options. These medications help prevent serious complications like seizures by activating GABA-A receptors in your brain. For milder cases, anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine or gabapentin may be used.

Best Medication for Alcohol Withdrawal Options in 2025

To learn more about alcohol treatment options and search for quality care near you, please visit the NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator. Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use. Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases.

What Are the Types of Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder?

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• Chronic alcohol use suppresses the central nervous system by enhancing the activity of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid).

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding. This smooth transition is sometimes called detox before rehab, and it is one of the biggest advantages of choosing a structured start to finish detox program. This approach can be part of a social detox with medical support model. You still benefit from professional guidance and check‑ins, but you are not in the facility overnight.

• During alcohol withdrawal, the brain experiences a surge in excitatory neurotransmitter activity, particularly glutamate.
• It is essential to seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen over time, as proper treatment and support can help alleviate discomfort and reduce the risk of complications.
• Participating in self-help programs, like Narcotics Anonymous, can also play a significant role in SUD treatment.
• Talk to your healthcare provider about naloxone, a medicine that is available to patients for the emergency treatment of an opioid overdose.
• They’re particularly valuable for long-term outcomes, as studies show they can reduce post-withdrawal drinking and improve treatment adherence.

Diazepam

Initially, they activate GABA-A receptors, which helps counter the brain’s hyperexcitability during withdrawal. Second, they exhibit cross-tolerance with alcohol, effectively substituting for ethanol’s CNS depressant effects. Third, they substantially reduce the risk of dangerous complications like seizures and delirium tremens. Medical supervision is essential as benzodiazepines can cause potential side effects ranging from drowsiness to Alcohol Withdrawal respiratory issues. Research utilizing symptom-triggered regimens has shown better outcomes compared to fixed-schedule dosing approaches.

The sudden neurochemical changes during withdrawal can cause neurotoxicity, cognitive impairments and lasting alterations in neural plasticity and memory. Repeated episodes of withdrawal may worsen these effects and lead to long-term consequences for overall brain health. Cleveland Clinic’s health articles are based on evidence-backed information and review by medical professionals to ensure accuracy, reliability, and up-to-date clinical standards. Benzodiazepines are medications that make your nervous system less active.