Which medication is commonly prescribed to manage withdrawal symptoms for a client with alcohol dependence?

Chlordiazepoxide, known by the brand name Librium, is commonly prescribed for managing withdrawal symptoms in individuals with alcohol dependence due to its effectiveness as a benzodiazepine. This class of medication helps to ease the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, such as anxiety, agitation, and tremors, by acting on the central nervous system to produce calming effects. Benzodiazepines, including chlordiazepoxide, are particularly useful during detoxification since they can help prevent severe withdrawal complications like seizures and can facilitate a smoother transition for individuals who are ceasing alcohol consumption.

In contrast, other medications listed, such as fluoxetine and sertraline, are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) primarily used to treat depression and anxiety disorders rather than directly addressing alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Acamprosate is used to help maintain abstinence in individuals who have already detoxified from alcohol, but it does not specifically target withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, while all of these medications play a role in managing aspects of alcohol dependence, chlordiazepoxide is specifically designed to mitigate withdrawal symptoms during the detoxification process.