Questions: A patient with alcohol withdrawal is given carbamazepine. Which finding indicates a therapeutic effect? Absence of seizures Absence of cravings Absence of respiratory depression Absence of damage to the myocardium

The answer is the first one: Absence of seizures.

Explanation for each option:

1. Absence of seizures: This is the correct answer. Carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant medication that is often used to prevent seizures, which can be a complication of alcohol withdrawal. The therapeutic effect of carbamazepine in this context is to reduce the risk of seizures.

2. Absence of cravings: While managing cravings is an important aspect of treating alcohol dependence, carbamazepine is not typically used for this purpose. Medications like naltrexone or acamprosate are more commonly used to address cravings.

3. Absence of respiratory depression: Respiratory depression is not a typical concern in alcohol withdrawal that carbamazepine would address. This symptom is more associated with opioid overdose or the use of certain sedatives.

4. Absence of damage to the myocardium: Myocardial damage is not a direct concern in alcohol withdrawal that carbamazepine would treat. This option is unrelated to the therapeutic effects of carbamazepine in the context of alcohol withdrawal.

In summary, the therapeutic effect of carbamazepine in a patient with alcohol withdrawal is primarily the prevention of seizures.