A recent clinical study
revealed that gabapentin, and drug used for epilepsy, may be just as effective
for treating those who are suffering from an alcohol addiction. Currently,
there are three drugs that are used to treat alcohol addictions, disulfiram,
acamprosate, and naltrexone; each have a different mode of action inside the
body, each is responsible for eliminating or reducing alcohol intake by
different mechanisms. However, negative side effects can be experienced by all
of these drugs. During a 12-week study two groups were tested, one was given
the drug (gabapentin) and the other was given a placebo. Those taking
gabapentin were four times as likely to refrain from drinking when given a
higher dose (1800 mg) of the drug, compared to their counterparts. In addition,
researchers reported that the gabapentin was the only drug to improved sleep
and mood in those coming off of alcohol. I think this research is great! I know
it isn’t the cure to cancer or anything, but I think it will give a lot of
people hope. Breaking an addiction seems hard enough without all of the
negative side effects that come along with other available treatments. What do
you think? Have you heard of any other drugs being used or tested for
alcohol-dependency?
Article: http://news.yahoo.com/epilepsy-drug-shows-promise-treating-alcohol-dependence-135539075.html
Interesting. While working at a compounding pharmacy, we compounded gabapentin for animals with chronic pain. Its always fascinating to learn about the different uses of a single drug. I haven't heard of any other drugs used to treat alcohol dependence, although there are multiple drugs on the market used to treat opiate addiction.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of any other drugs being used for alcohol dependency, but this one is proving to have some success. Do they say what exactly Gabapentin targets in order to help with treatment against alcoholism?
ReplyDeleteGood question. They didn't mention it in this particular article, but Gabapentin targets two neurotransmitters (GABA and glutamate) that are said to be abnormal during alcohol withdraw. Gabapentin mimics the chemical makeup of GABA and glutamate and works to establish/regain chemical balance in the brain that result from alcohol dependency/addiction.
ReplyDeletepleasant bLog! its fascinating. much obliged to you for sharing. גמילה ממריחואנה
ReplyDeletepleasant bLog! its fascinating. much obliged to you for sharing. גמילה ממריחואנה
ReplyDelete