Alcoholism - Medications

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Designer Antidepressants. Drugs have now been developed that target other neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine, alone or in addition to serotonin. They include nefazodone (Serzone), venlafaxine (Effexor), and mirtazapine (Remeron). Some research suggests they may have some benefits for treating alcoholism. However, nefazodone has been linked to increased risk for liver damage and should be used with caution by people with alcohol dependence.

Other Drugs

Topiramate. Topiramate (Topamax) is an anti-seizure drug used to treat epilepsy. It also helps control impulsivity. Early studies indicate it might reduce craving in patients with alcoholism, and may also help them stop smoking. Most side effects are mild to moderate and include mood swings and behavioral problems, dizziness, fatigue, visual disturbances, tremor, impaired concentration and thinking, weight loss and diarrhea, and a higher risk for kidney stones.

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Odansetron.Ondansetron (Zofran) is ordinarily used to prevent nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy. It also has actions that affect serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate alcohol's effects. In one study, ondansetron helped reduce drinking in people with early-onset alcoholism, although not in people who began drinking after age 25. These results suggest that this drug is helpful in patients with genetically related alcoholism, although not with alcoholism caused by other factors.

Review Date: 12/03/2006
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital