Drugs for alcohol dependence
Drugs for alcohol dependence
There is good evidence for the use of pharmacological treatments to improve outcomes in patients with alcohol use disorders (AUD). The management of acute withdrawal should include a high risk of suspicion for Wernicke–Korsakoff Syndrome, necessitating treatment with parenteral high-potency B vitamins (Pabrinex®). Benzodiazepines in reducing doses should be used in conjunction with a continuing treatment plan after detox (detox). The relapse prevention medications acamprosate and naltrexone should be considered in all patients with moderate to severe alcohol dependence wishing to maintain abstinence. Disulfiram can be considered as a second-line treatment, but should be initiated by a specialist. Nalmefene has been shown to be effective in patients with mild dependence wishing to reduce their alcohol consumption. Baclofen has a temporary indication in France, and may have a role in patients with co-morbid liver disease and anxiety, but its efficacy remains unproven.
761-763
Sinclair, Julia
be3e54d5-c6da-4950-b0ba-3cb8cdcab13c
December 2016
Sinclair, Julia
be3e54d5-c6da-4950-b0ba-3cb8cdcab13c
Abstract
There is good evidence for the use of pharmacological treatments to improve outcomes in patients with alcohol use disorders (AUD). The management of acute withdrawal should include a high risk of suspicion for Wernicke–Korsakoff Syndrome, necessitating treatment with parenteral high-potency B vitamins (Pabrinex®). Benzodiazepines in reducing doses should be used in conjunction with a continuing treatment plan after detox (detox). The relapse prevention medications acamprosate and naltrexone should be considered in all patients with moderate to severe alcohol dependence wishing to maintain abstinence. Disulfiram can be considered as a second-line treatment, but should be initiated by a specialist. Nalmefene has been shown to be effective in patients with mild dependence wishing to reduce their alcohol consumption. Baclofen has a temporary indication in France, and may have a role in patients with co-morbid liver disease and anxiety, but its efficacy remains unproven.
Text
Drugs for alcohol dependence_final accepted.pdf
- Accepted Manuscript
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e-pub ahead of print date: 26 October 2016
Published date: December 2016
Organisations:
Clinical & Experimental Sciences
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Local EPrints ID: 404698
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/404698
ISSN: 1357-3039
PURE UUID: c59d35fd-4b19-4fbf-b07a-4cc2c05c5efa
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Date deposited: 20 Jan 2017 14:00
Last modified: 16 Mar 2024 02:55
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