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Aims: We studied whether verapamil, a Ca2+ channel blocker, affects cardiovascular symptoms in alcohol withdrawal. Methods: Cardiovascular effects of verapamil (5 mg intravenously) were compared in 20 alcohol-dependent subjects during alcohol withdrawal (n = 10) on days 1, 2 and 10 and during early recovery (n = 10; duration 45 ± 4.1 days). The heart rate was obtained from the electrocardiogram. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured with a sphygmomanometer by Korotkoff. Stroke volume was studied by impedance cardiography. Results: Significant differences in verapamil effects on systolic and diastolic blood pressure and stroke volume and total peripheral resistance were observed in patients with withdrawal when compared with those in early recovery. Conclusion: L-type Ca2+ channels may modify vascular tone in alcohol withdrawal. Copyright © 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The cardiovascular effects of the β-adrenergic receptor antagonist propranolol (40 mg) were compared in 20 alcohol-dependent subjects during alcohol withdrawal syndrome (WS; n =10) on days 1, 2, 3, and 10 to those during remission (n =10; 50±7.7 days). Significant differences were observed in negative chronotropic and hypotensive effects during withdrawal compared to remission. The initial level of hemodynamics prior to propranolol administration was the most important factor modifying the drug responses. The amount of daily consumption of alcohol also predicted to some extent the effects of propranolol. The WS-related changes in peripheral and central β-adrenergic system were most likely responsible for the differences in propranolol actions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The cardiovascular effects and plasma concentrations after intravenous verapamil injection (5 mg) were compared in seven alcohol dependents during alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) to those after resolution of these symptoms. At the onset of AWS, verapamil caused a bradycardiac response, which was absent after resolution of AWS. At the same period, a hypotensive effect of verapamil was weakened. No differences in verapamil plasma concentrations were observed between different periods. These results suggest that L-type Ca2+ channels are involved in mediating cardiovascular symptoms of AWS. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) develops after cessation of alcohol intake in alcoholic patients characterizing psychiatric symptoms and changes in autonomous nervous systems. We studied cardiovascular changes during different phases of AWS (1, 2, 3 and 10days after admission for detoxification; n=34) and compared them with those in early recovery (at least 1month of abstinence; n=30). The results study showed that cardiovascular system underwent significant changes during AWS characterizing the decrease of heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, and total peripheral resistance. Stroke index was lower during AWS than in early recovery. As the decreased stroke index was compensated by increased heart rate, cardiac index did not differ during AWS from that in early recovery. Increased functioning of noradrenalin (along with other central and peripheral regulating mechanisms) may be an important factor associated with cardiovascular changes in AWS. Normalization of this function after AWS leads to returning of cardiovascular parameters to baseline levels. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]