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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Alcohol Addiction, Get Frequent Chills In Warm Conditions, Flushing In Face, Eases With A Drink, On Clonazepam. What Is The Cause?

I am an alcoholic experiencing frequent chills (every few minutes), flushing to the face, chills in very warm conditions, and variations of cold/hot sensations in normal weather. Typically, a drink will alleviate these symptoms. I take clonazepam for a panic disorder and unless I drink, these symptoms are so uncomfortable I cannot avoid drinking. Am I experiencing withdrawal symptoms from not having a drink (even after such a short period of avoiding alcohol? such as six hours?) Just had my thyroid tested, waiting on reesults.
posted on Tue, 7 Aug 2012
Twitter Wed, 3 Jul 2013 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 4 Jul 2013 Last reviewed on
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Addiction Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hi,

You have rightly guessed that you are suffering from alcohol withdrawal symptoms in the form of chills, flushing etc. Six hours of alcohol free state is enough for development of withdrawal symptoms in people who have been taking heavy amounts of alcohol for many years. In fact, this is the reason why many alcoholics need a drink first thing in the morning to be able to get up and carry on. I am not sure whether you really have panic disorder or not, because anxiety symptoms are common in alcohol withdrawal as well and clonazepam works in both situations. My advice to you would be to seriously consider quitting alcohol, and to do so under medical supervision.

Best wishes.
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Alcohol Addiction, Get Frequent Chills In Warm Conditions, Flushing In Face, Eases With A Drink, On Clonazepam. What Is The Cause?

Hi, You have rightly guessed that you are suffering from alcohol withdrawal symptoms in the form of chills, flushing etc. Six hours of alcohol free state is enough for development of withdrawal symptoms in people who have been taking heavy amounts of alcohol for many years. In fact, this is the reason why many alcoholics need a drink first thing in the morning to be able to get up and carry on. I am not sure whether you really have panic disorder or not, because anxiety symptoms are common in alcohol withdrawal as well and clonazepam works in both situations. My advice to you would be to seriously consider quitting alcohol, and to do so under medical supervision. Best wishes.