How do medications treat delirium tremens?

Each medication administered during treatment for delirium tremens primarily aims to control the life-threatening situation and then to provide comfort. Sedatives like benzodiazepine treat anxiety, anticonvulsants like phenytoin control seizures, and medications like clonidine control cardiovascular problems. Over-the-counter type medications like acetaminophen help reduce fever, and high doses of thiamin prevent complications. Each medication works to reduce the risks of complication from severe alcohol withdrawal.