The Agency for Health Care Policy and Research Smoking Cessation Clinical Practice Guideline
Article Abstract:
The Agency for Health Care Policy and Research has issued clinical practice guidelines to assist health care workers in their attempts to convince smokers to quit. The guidelines were written after an extensive review of the medical literature. They are aimed at three groups: physicians, other smoking cessation specialists and health care administrators, purchasers and insurers. Physicians should modify medical records to include the smoking status of every patient. All smokers should be encouraged to quit. The physician should set a quit date and help the patient achieve it. There is much evidence that nicotine gum and nicotine patches can help many smokers quit. Smokers should be warned about the dangers of smoking in pregnancy and the possibility of weight gain when they stop smoking. Many associations and government agencies provide pamphlets to help smokers in their efforts. Organizations that purchase health care services should ensure that the service covers smoking cessation programs.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1996
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Pharmacological management of alcohol withdrawal: a meta-analysis and evidence-based practice guideline
Article Abstract:
Benzodiazepines appear to be the most effective drugs in treating alcohol withdrawal. Members of the American Society of Addiction Medicine came to this conclusion after reviewing 134 articles on the treatment of alcohol withdrawal, 65 of which were controlled trials covering 42 different drugs. Long-acting benzodiazepines may be more effective but also have the potential for abuse and excessive sedation. Using a structured assessment scale to provide drugs only when symptoms become severe can reduce the length of treatment and the dosage of drugs used.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1997
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An 87-Year-Old Woman Taking a Benzodiazepine
Article Abstract:
Benzodiazepines are probably safe in most elderly patients as long as they are effective and have few side effects. An 87-year-old woman who was taking alprazolam (Xanax) for anxiety began taking large doses every day because the drug improved her mental status. However, her doctor began to suspect that she was becoming dependent on the drug. She had no side effects and did not want to stop taking the drug. She did not appear to be addicted, and because the drug worked so well, her doctor gradually convinced her to lower the dose.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1999
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