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The British Journal of Psychiatry 157: 491-499 (1990)
© 1990 The Royal College of Psychiatrists

Overexcitement and disinhibition. Dynamic neurotransmitter interactions in alcohol withdrawal

P Glue and D Nutt
Reckitt and Colman Psychopharmacology Unit, Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, Bristol.

In alcohol withdrawal, abnormalities occur in a number of neurotransmitter systems: there is reduced inhibitory function, and increased activity of excitatory systems. The former, indicated by reduced GABA and alpha-2-adrenoceptor activity, acts in conjunction with, and is exacerbated by, the latter, which itself may be due to the potentiation of NMDA activity by depletion of magnesium, and overactivity of catecholaminergic and CRF neurones. These dysfunctions produce immediate effects and may also contribute to the long-term changes in brain excitability by a kindling-like process. It is possible that early and active treatment may oppose this process. Present strategies for treatment of alcohol withdrawal enhance GABA and alpha-2 inhibitory, or reduce excitatory, mechanisms. Future possibilities include the use of CRF and/or NMDA antagonists.


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