Seizures commonly result from withdrawal of which substance?

Seizures commonly result from withdrawal of which substance?

• A. Ibuprofen
• B. Nicotine
• C. Antihistamine
• D. Alcohol

Answer: (D)

Withdrawal from alcohol is known to commonly result in seizures, specifically in individuals who have developed dependence on the substance. Alcohol acts as a central nervous system depressant, and its sudden cessation can lead to a hyperexcitable state in the brain. This hyperexcitability is thought to be due to various neurochemical changes that occur with prolonged alcohol use, including alterations in GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) and glutamate neurotransmission. During withdrawal, the decrease in inhibitory signaling from GABA and the increased excitatory signaling from glutamate can trigger seizure activity, which may manifest as tremors, anxiety, and disorientation prior to full seizures, especially in more severe cases of withdrawal — a condition known as delirium tremens. Conversely, substances like nicotine, antihistamines, and ibuprofen are not typically associated with seizure activity upon withdrawal, making alcohol the correct answer in this context.

Withdrawal from alcohol is known to commonly result in seizures, specifically in individuals who have developed dependence on the substance. Alcohol acts as a central nervous system depressant, and its sudden cessation can lead to a hyperexcitable state in the brain. This hyperexcitability is thought to be due to various neurochemical changes that occur with prolonged alcohol use, including alterations in GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) and glutamate neurotransmission.

During withdrawal, the decrease in inhibitory signaling from GABA and the increased excitatory signaling from glutamate can trigger seizure activity, which may manifest as tremors, anxiety, and disorientation prior to full seizures, especially in more severe cases of withdrawal — a condition known as delirium tremens. Conversely, substances like nicotine, antihistamines, and ibuprofen are not typically associated with seizure activity upon withdrawal, making alcohol the correct answer in this context.