Fixed-schedule diazepam regimen for planned outpatient alcohol withdrawal
If requirements for planned alcohol withdrawal in a home environment are met and no predictors of severe withdrawal are present, a fixed-schedule diazepam regimen can be considered. Before prescribing, see advice in Safe prescribing and supply in substance withdrawal in a home setting on measures to reduce risk of dependence on medications, overdose and harm from sedation.
An example fixed-schedule diazepam regimen isHaber, 2021:
diazepam orally diazepam diazepam diazepam
day 1: 10 mg 6-hourly
day 2: 10 mg 8-hourly
day 3: 10 mg 12-hourly
day 4: 5 mg 12-hourly
day 5: 5 mg at night, then stop.
Review patient progress daily to assess symptom control and avoid oversedation.