Delirium da astinenza da butalbital: la validità di una corretta diagnosi Butalbital withdrawal delirium: the validity of a correct diagnosis

Summary Delirium is a clinical condition characterized by impairment of consciousness, thinking disorder, sleep/wake cycle changes, psychomotor behaviour abnormalities, impairments of memory and perception with rapid onset and a fluctuating course. It is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in elderly patients. In young patients it is usually due to severe conditions such as substance/drug intoxication or withdrawal (Table I). Preparations containing short-acting barbiturates, caffeine and analgesics are widely used to control episodes of headache with significant risk of abuse and withdrawal syndrome. Barbiturate withdrawal syndrome generally occurs 8 to 36 hours after suspending the drug. Barbiturates that produce a withdrawal syndrome, such as butalbital, have a short-to-intermediate duration of action.