The efficacy of topiramate in alcohol dependence therapy – current research and prospects of use
Journal Title: Alkoholizm i Narkomania - Year 2017, Vol 30, Issue 3
Abstract
Alcohol dependence (AD) is a chronic and recurrent disease that is a major social and clinical problem. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a few drugs for AD treatment like disulfiram, naltrexone and acamprosate. Their efficacy is limited and depends on many additional factors. Also therefore, new methods of therapy are still being sought. Currently, research is focused on a new generation of antiepileptic drugs that could improve the efficiency of AD treatment thanks to their multidirectional mechanism of action associated with neurotransmission systems involved in the pathogenesis of addiction. Topiramate is the most widely studied drug in this area. The results of preclinical studies showed that the drug reduces the intake of ethanol and alleviates symptoms of withdrawal syndrome in animals. The results of clinical observations in patients with AD confirmed the efficacy of topiramate in reducing alcohol consumption and number of heavy drinking days and prolonging the abstinence period. In comparative studies with naltrexone, topiramate to a greater extent reduced craving. Despite these promising results, there is still a need for further research on the influence of the drug on the development and course of alcohol dependence.
Authors and Affiliations
Agnieszka Wiesner, Ewa Zwierzyńska, Bogusława Pietrzak
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP323147
- DOI 10.5114/ain.2017.72314
- Views 100
- Downloads 0
Związek wsparcia społecznego ze stosowaniem strategii radzenia sobie ze stresem w grupie osób uzależnionych od środków psychoaktywnych
Regularne używanie środków psychoaktywnych jest jedną z niekonstruktywnych strategii radzenia sobie z trudnymi sytuacjami. Nawet jeżeli początkowo przynosi osobie jakieś korzyści (np. zwalnia z bolesnej autorefleksji, po...
New psychoactive substances in Poland. The analysis of policy responses and its effects
Introduction: The aim of this article is to analyse the process of creation and implementation of policy on new psychoactive substances (NPS) in Poland in the context of definitional and legal issues, social and market r...
Relationship between insomnia and tobacco smoking in alcohol-dependent patients
Introduction Insomnia is a risk factor for relapse in alcohol-dependence. Many conditions contribute to the severity of insomnia, including smoking. The aim of this study was to assess the association between parameters...
Causes and strategies of limiting psychoactive substance use by female escort agency sex workers
Introduction Purpose of the article is to analyse the motives of the decision to limit or stop using psychoactive substances (mainly alcohol) by female escort agency sex workers. Also presented are sex workers’ strategi...
The link between alcohol availability and health/social problems: a literature review
Introduction. The article provides an overview of findings on the relationship between alcohol availability and the prevalence of health and social problems. Methodology. Medline database was searched for studies on a...