Subjects were randomized into either fixed tapering dose
(FTDR) or symptom-triggered (STR) lorazepam regimen by
the designated senior resident using a random numbers table.
Generic lorazepam (1 mg) tablets available as a part of free
hospital supply were used. The first author (who was also the
investigator-rater) and the patients were blind to the allocation
of the study group. Treatment was started by the treating
psychiatrist and nursing staff, based upon the randomization
informed to them, and the initial CIWA-Ar ratings conveyed
by the first author. Depending upon the initial CIWA-Ar
ratings, the first author would repeat the rating at fixed times
and report them to the nurse on duty who would give the medicines
to the patient as per the treatment chart available to
them. The first author, who did not know to which group a
patient belonged, made an assessment from time to time using
CIWA-Ar ratings only.