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Ondansetron Reduces Craving In Biologically Predisposed Early-Onset Alcoholics
A DGReview of :"Ondansetron reduces the craving of biologically predisposed alcoholics"
Psychopharmacology
04/09/2002
By David Loshak
The 5-HT3 blocker ondansetron significantly reduces overall craving for alcohol in early-onset alcoholics but not in late-onset alcoholics. This is most likely due to improvement in serotonergic abnormality, which early onset alcoholics have to a greater extent.
Psychiatrists at the University of Texas, San Antonio, Texas, United States, report that since it was already shown that ondansetron effectively treated early onset alcoholics, they would investigate whether it would significantly reduce their cravings. They also tested whether craving significantly correlated with drinking behaviour.
Two hundred and fifty three alcohol-dependent volunteers were studied during a one-week lead-in single-blind placebo period followed by 11 weeks of double-blind out-patient treatment. Ondansetron doses were 1.0, 4.0 or 16.0 µg per kg of body weight, twice daily. Craving was measured at each of 13 visits by using seven visual analogue scales. The volunteers also received 12 weekly sessions of standardised group cognitive behavioural therapy.
Analysis of the visual analogue scale items showed one dimensional overall craving. Ondansetron 4.0 µg per kg twice daily reduced overall craving significantly among early onset alcoholics.
In late onset alcoholics, however, ondansetron 1.0 µg per kg twice daily significantly increased craving. In these alcoholics, overall craving declined with reduced drinking but not with increased abstinence.
Psychopharmacology 2002;160:408-413.
"Ondansetron reduces the craving of biologically predisposed alcoholics"
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