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Qu L, Ma XP, Simayi A, Wang XL, Xu GP. Comparative efficacy of various pharmacologic treatments for alcohol withdrawal syndrome: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Int Clin Psychopharmacol 2024; 39:148-162. [PMID: 38170803 DOI: 10.1097/yic.0000000000000526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
This study was to compare multiple classes of medications and medication combinations to find alternatives or additives for patients not applicable to benzodiazepines (BZDs). We performed a network meta-analysis to assess the comparative effect of 11 pharmacologic treatments in patients with alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Forty-one studies were included, comprising a total sample size of 4187 participants. The pooled results from the randomized controlled trials showed that there was no significant difference in the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment-Alcohol, revised (CIWA-Ar) reduction with other medications or medication combinations compared to BZDs. Compared to BZDs, the mean difference in ICU length of stay of anticonvulsants + BZDs was -1.71 days (95% CI = -2.82, -0.59). Efficacy rankings from cohort studies showed that anticonvulsant + BZDs were superior to other treatments in reducing CIWA-Ar scores and reducing the length of stay in the ICU. Synthesis results from randomized controlled trials indicate that there are currently no data suggesting that other medications or medication combinations can fully replace BZDs. However, synthetic results from observational studies have shown that BZDs are effective in the context of adjuvant anticonvulsant therapy, particularly with early use of gabapentin in combination with BZDs in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome, which represents a promising treatment option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Qu
- Department of Anesthesia, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Xinjiang, China
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2
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Guiraud J, Spanagel R, van den Brink W. Substitution therapy for patients with alcohol dependence: Mechanisms of action and efficacy. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 175:187-239. [PMID: 38555116 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2024.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
New approaches for the treatment of alcohol dependence (AD) may improve patient outcomes. Substitution maintenance therapy is one of the most effective treatment options for opioid and nicotine use disorders. So far, there has been little attention to substitution therapy for the treatment of AD. Here, we explain the mechanistic foundations of alcohol substitution maintenance therapy. Alcohol has many primary targets in the brain (and other organs) and the physical interaction of ethanol molecules with these specific ethanol-sensitive sites on a variety of ionotropic receptors (e.g. GABA-A, NMDA, and nicotinic acetylcholine (nACh) receptors) and ion channels provides the rationale for substitution. As such, a variety of compounds can interact with those ethanol-sensitive sites and can thus substitute for some of the effects of alcohol. For some of these compounds, alcohol discrimination studies have shown their substitution potential. Accordingly, potential substitution treatments include agonists acting at GABA receptors such as sodium oxybate, baclofen and benzodiazepines, NMDA receptor antagonists such as ketamine and memantine, or nAChRs agonists such as varenicline. All these compounds are already approved for other indications and we present clinical evidence for these drugs in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) and in the long-term treatment of AD, and outline future steps for their acceptance as substitution treatment in AD. Finally, we discuss the substitution approach of managed alcohol programs for the most severely affected homeless populations. Results showed that sodium oxybate is probably the closest to a substitution therapy for AD and is already approved for the treatment of AWS and in the long-term treatment of AD in some countries. In conclusion, we argue that better AD treatment can be provided if substitution maintenance treatments for alcohol are implemented at a similar scale as for opioid and nicotine use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Guiraud
- Amsterdam UMC, Location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Vergio, Clichy, France.
| | - Rainer Spanagel
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Wim van den Brink
- Amsterdam UMC, Location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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3
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Fluyau D, Kailasam VK, Pierre CG. Beyond benzodiazepines: a meta-analysis and narrative synthesis of the efficacy and safety of alternative options for alcohol withdrawal syndrome management. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2023; 79:1147-1157. [PMID: 37380897 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-023-03523-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare the efficacy and safety of non-benzodiazepines (non-BZDs) to benzodiazepines (BZDs) in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS). METHODS For relevant literature, Google Scholar, PubMed, Embase, OVID MEDLINE, EBSCO, Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched. Randomized control trials (RCTs) were included, omitted were nonblinded trials, blinded trials that were not randomized, and open-label studies. The Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment was used to assess the trial's quality. A meta-analysis and a narrative synthesis were carried out. RESULTS Twenty non-BZDs and five BZDs were investigated in thirty RCTs. Meta-analysis favored gabapentin over chlordiazepoxide and lorazepam (d = 0.563, p < 0.001) and carbamazepine over oxazepam and lorazepam (d = 0.376, p = 0.029), for reducing Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol-Revised (CIWA-Ar) scale scores. Eleven non-BZDs fared better than BZDs for reducing CIWA-Ar, Total Severity Assessment, Selective Severity Assessment, Borg and Weinholdt, and Gross Rating Scale for Alcohol Withdrawal scores. Eight non-BZDs outmatched BZDs regarding autonomic, motor, awareness, and psychiatric symptoms. Sedation and fatigue were prevalent in BZDs, while seizures were prevalent in non-BZDs. CONCLUSION For AWS treatments, non-BZDs are superior to or equally effective as BZDs. Non-BZD adverse events warrant further investigation. Agents that inhibit gated ion channels are promising candidates. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42022384875.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimy Fluyau
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, 1600 SW Archer Rd, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
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Fischler PV, Soyka M, Seifritz E, Mutschler J. Off-label and investigational drugs in the treatment of alcohol use disorder: A critical review. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:927703. [PMID: 36263121 PMCID: PMC9574013 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.927703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Compounds known to be successful in the treatment of alcohol use disorder include the aversive agent, Disulfiram, the glutamatergic NMDA receptor antagonist, Acamprosate, and the opioid receptor antagonists, Naltrexone and Nalmefene. Although all four are effective in maintaining abstinence or reduction of alcohol consumption, only a small percentage of patients receive pharmacological treatment. In addition, many other medications have been investigated for their therapeutic potential in the treatment of alcohol use disorder. In this review we summarize and compare Baclofen, Gabapentin, Topiramate, Ondansetron, Varenicline, Aripiprazole, Quetiapine, Clozapine, Antidepressants, Lithium, Neuropeptide Y, Neuropeptide S, Corticotropin-releasing factor antagonists, Oxytocin, PF-05190457, Memantine, Ifenprodil, Samidorphan, Ondelopran, ABT-436, SSR149415, Mifepristone, Ibudilast, Citicoline, Rimonabant, Surinabant, AM4113 and Gamma-hydroxybutyrate While some have shown promising results in the treatment of alcohol use disorder, others have disappointed and should be excluded from further investigation. Here we discuss the most promising results and highlight medications that deserve further preclinical or clinical study. Effective, patient-tailored treatment will require greater understanding provided by many more preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Valentin Fischler
- Department for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Women’s Clinic Lucerne, Cantonal Hospital of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Pascal Valentin Fischler,
| | - Michael Soyka
- Psychiatric Hospital University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Erich Seifritz
- Director of the Clinic for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Clinic Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
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5
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Guiraud J, Addolorato G, Antonelli M, Aubin HJ, de Bejczy A, Benyamina A, Cacciaglia R, Caputo F, Dematteis M, Ferrulli A, Goudriaan AE, Gual A, Lesch OM, Maremmani I, Mirijello A, Nutt DJ, Paille F, Perney P, Poulnais R, Raffaillac Q, Rehm J, Rolland B, Rotondo C, Scherrer B, Simon N, Skala K, Söderpalm B, Somaini L, Sommer WH, Spanagel R, Vassallo GA, Walter H, van den Brink W. Sodium oxybate for the maintenance of abstinence in alcohol-dependent patients: An international, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Psychopharmacol 2022; 36:1136-1145. [PMID: 35796481 PMCID: PMC9548946 DOI: 10.1177/02698811221104063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sodium oxybate (SMO) has been shown to be effective in the maintenance of abstinence (MoA) in alcohol-dependent patients in a series of small randomized controlled trials (RCTs). These results needed to be confirmed by a large trial investigating the treatment effect and its sustainability after medication discontinuation. AIMS To confirm the SMO effect on (sustained) MoA in detoxified alcohol-dependent patients. METHODS Large double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in detoxified adult alcohol-dependent outpatients (80% men) from 11 sites in four European countries. Patients were randomized to 6 months SMO (3.3-3.9 g/day) or placebo followed by a 6-month medication-free period. Primary outcome was the cumulative abstinence duration (CAD) during the 6-month treatment period defined as the number of days with no alcohol use. Secondary outcomes included CAD during the 12-month study period. RESULTS Of the 314 alcohol-dependent patients randomized, 154 received SMO and 160 received placebo. Based on the pre-specified fixed-effect two-way analysis of variance including the treatment-by-site interaction, SMO showed efficacy in CAD during the 6-month treatment period: mean difference +43.1 days, 95% confidence interval (17.6-68.5; p = 0.001). Since significant heterogeneity of effect across sites and unequal sample sizes among sites (n = 3-66) were identified, a site-level random meta-analysis was performed with results supporting the pre-specified analysis: mean difference +32.4 days, p = 0.014. The SMO effect was sustained during the medication-free follow-up period. SMO was well-tolerated. CONCLUSIONS Results of this large RCT in alcohol-dependent patients demonstrated a significant and clinically relevant sustained effect of SMO on CAD. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04648423.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Guiraud
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam
Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The
Netherlands,D&A Pharma, Paris, France,Julien Guiraud, D&A Pharma, 7 rue
d’Aguesseau, Paris 75008, France. Emails:
;
| | - Giovanni Addolorato
- Alcohol Use Disorder and Alcohol
Related Disease Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology,
Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy,Internal Medicine Unit,
Columbus-Gemelli Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology,
Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariangela Antonelli
- Internal Medicine Unit,
Columbus-Gemelli Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology,
Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Henri-Jean Aubin
- French Institute of Health and Medical
Research (Inserm), Centre de Recherche en Epidémiologie et Santé des Populations
(CESP), Universite Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France,Addiction Research and Treatment
Center, Paul Brousse Hospital, Paris-Sud University, Villejuif, France
| | - Andrea de Bejczy
- Section of Psychiatry and
Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy,
University of Gothenburg, Goteborg, Sweden
| | - Amine Benyamina
- Addiction Research and Treatment
Center, Paul Brousse Hospital, Paris-Sud University, Villejuif, France
| | | | - Fabio Caputo
- Department of Internal Medicine, SS.
Annunziata Hospital, Cento (Ferrara), University of Ferrara, Italy,Centre for the Study and Treatment of
Alcohol-Related Diseases, Department of Translational Medicine, University of
Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maurice Dematteis
- Department of Addiction Medicine,
Grenoble-Alpes University Hospital, and Faculty of Medicine, Grenoble Alpes
University, France
| | - Anna Ferrulli
- Department of Endocrinology,
Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy,Department of Biomedical Sciences for
Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna E Goudriaan
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam
University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The
Netherlands,Arkin, Department of Research and
Quality of Care, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The
Netherlands
| | - Antoni Gual
- Psychiatry Department, Neurosciences
Institute, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Otto-Michael Lesch
- University Clinic of Psychiatry and
Psychotherapy, Department of Social Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna,
Austria
| | - Icro Maremmani
- Santa Chiara University Hospital,
University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonio Mirijello
- Department of Medical Sciences, IRCCS
Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza General Hospital, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG),
Italy
| | - David J Nutt
- Centre for Neuropsychopharmacology,
Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | - François Paille
- Department of Addiction Treatment,
University Hospital, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | | | | | | | - Jürgen Rehm
- Institute for Mental Health Policy
Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Department of Psychiatry, Dalla Lana
School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Clinical Psychology &
Psychotherapy Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany,Department of International Health
Projects, Institute for Leadership and Health Management, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow
State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Benjamin Rolland
- SUAL, HCL, CH Le Vinatier; Univ Lyon;
UCBL; INSERM U1028; CNRS UMR5292, Centre de Recherche en Neuroscience de Lyon
(CRNL), Bron, France
| | - Claudia Rotondo
- Centro di Riferimento Alcologico
della Regione Lazio (CRARL), Dipartimento di Salute Mentale, Roma, Italy
| | - Bruno Scherrer
- Bruno Scherrer Conseil, Saint Arnoult
en Yvelines, France
| | - Nicolas Simon
- Aix Marseille Univ, APHM, INSERM,
IRD, SESSTIM, Hop Sainte Marguerite, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, CAP-TV,
Marseille, France
| | - Katrin Skala
- Department of Child and Adolescent
Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Lorenzo Somaini
- Addiction Treatment Center, Local
Health Unit, ASL Biella, Italy
| | - Wolfgang H Sommer
- Medical Faculty, Institute of
Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, University of Heidelberg,
Mannheim, Germany,Institute of Psychopharmacology,
Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Rainer Spanagel
- Institute of Psychopharmacology,
Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | | | | | - Wim van den Brink
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam
University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The
Netherlands
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6
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Guiraud J, Addolorato G, Aubin HJ, Batel P, de Bejczy A, Caputo F, Goudriaan AE, Gual A, Lesch O, Maremmani I, Perney P, Poulnais R, Raffaillac Q, Soderpalm B, Spanagel R, Walter H, van den Brink W. Treating alcohol dependence with an abuse and misuse deterrent formulation of sodium oxybate: Results of a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2021; 52:18-30. [PMID: 34237655 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2021.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Sodium oxybate (SMO) has been approved in Italy and Austria for the maintenance of abstinence in alcohol dependent (AD) patients. Although SMO is well tolerated in AD patients, cases of abuse and misuse have been reported outside the therapeutic setting. Here we report on a phase IIb double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial for the maintenance of abstinence in AD patients with a new abuse and misuse deterrent formulation of SMO. A total of 509 AD patients were randomized to 12 weeks of placebo or one of four SMO doses (0.75, 1.25, 1.75 or 2.25 g t.i.d.) followed by a one-week medication-free period. The primary endpoint was the percentage of days abstinent (PDA) at end of treatment. An unexpectedly high placebo response (mean 73%, median 92%) was observed. This probably compromised the demonstration of efficacy in the PDA, but several secondary endpoints showed statistically significant improvements. A post-hoc subgroup analysis based on baseline severity showed no improvements in the mild group, but statistically significant improvements in the severe group: PDA: mean difference +15%, Cohen's d = 0.42; abstinence: risk difference +18%, risk ratio = 2.22. No safety concerns were reported. Although the primary endpoint was not significant in the overall population, several secondary endpoints were significant in the intent-to-treat population and post-hoc results showed that treatment with SMO was associated with a significant improvement in severe AD patients which is consistent with previous findings. New trials are warranted that take baseline severity into consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Guiraud
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 5, Amsterdam, Netherlands; D&A Pharma, Paris, France.
| | - Giovanni Addolorato
- Alcohol Use Disorder and Alcohol Related Disease Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A.Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Internal Medicine Unit, Columbus-Gemelli Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A.Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Henri-Jean Aubin
- French Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm), Centre de Recherche en Epidémiologie et Santé des Populations (CESP), Paris, France; Addiction Research and Treatment Center, Paul Brousse Hospital, Paris-Sud University, Villejuif, France
| | - Philippe Batel
- Addiction unit of Charente, Camille Claudel Hospital, 16400 La Couronne, France
| | - Andrea de Bejczy
- Section of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Fabio Caputo
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; Center for the Study and Treatment of Alcohol-Related Diseases, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; Center for the Study and Treatment of Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) and Gastroenterological Manifestations of Rare Diseases, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; Department of Internal Medicine, Santissima Annunziata Hospital, Cento (Ferrara), University of Ferrara, 44042 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Anna E Goudriaan
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Arkin, Dept. of Research and Quality of Care, Amsterdam, Netherlands, & Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Netherlands
| | - Antoni Gual
- Psychiatry Department, Neurosciences Institute, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Otto Lesch
- Department of Social Psychiatry, Medical University Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Icro Maremmani
- Santa Chiara University Hospital, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Pascal Perney
- Addiction Medicine, Hospital Grau-du-Roi, Nimes, France
| | | | | | - Bo Soderpalm
- Section of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Rainer Spanagel
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - Henriette Walter
- Department of Social Psychiatry, Medical University Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Wim van den Brink
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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7
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Caputo F, Cibin M, Loche A, De Giorgio R, Zoli G. The recognition and management of protracted alcohol withdrawal may improve and modulate the pharmacological treatment of alcohol use disorder. J Psychopharmacol 2020; 34:1171-1175. [PMID: 32648800 DOI: 10.1177/0269881120936483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
About 50% of persons with an alcohol use disorder may have symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) when they reduce or discontinue their alcohol consumption. Protracted alcohol withdrawal (PAW), an underestimated and not yet clearly defined clinical condition that follows the acute stage of AWS, is characterized by the presence of substance-specific signs and symptoms (i.e. anxiety, irritability, mood instability, insomnia, craving) common to acute AWS, but persisting beyond the generally expected acute AWS time frames. Considering that PAW symptoms are mainly related to the neuro-adaptive changes of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) systems, naltrexone, nalmefene, and disulfiram may not be able to suppress the symptoms of PAW. After treatment of the acute phase of AWS, a more specifically pharmacological therapy able to suppress PAW symptoms could perhaps be used earlier and may be more helpful in preventing the risk of alcohol relapse, which remains higher during the first months of treatment. In light of this, medications acting on GABA and NMDA neurotransmitter systems to counterbalance the up-regulation of NMDA and the down-regulation of GABA could be employed in combination and started as soon as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Caputo
- Department of Internal Medicine, SS Annunziata Hospital, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Italian Society on Alcohol (SIA), Bologna, Italy
| | - Mauro Cibin
- Italian Society of Substance Abuse (SITD), Dolo (Venezia), Italy
| | | | - Roberto De Giorgio
- Department of Morphology, Surgery, Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zoli
- Department of Morphology, Surgery, Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Glahn A, Proskynitopoulos PJ, Bleich S, Hillemacher T. Pharmacotherapeutic management of acute alcohol withdrawal syndrome in critically Ill patients. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2020; 21:1083-1092. [PMID: 32281894 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2020.1746271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is a common and life-threatening condition in patients suffering from alcohol use disorder. Treatment of this syndrome is challenging, especially in patients that are critically ill, either because of withdrawal symptoms or underlying conditions. For the treatment, several pharmacological agents exist, such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or dexmedetomidine. Nonetheless, as alcohol withdrawal syndromes can occur in every clinical setting, it is necessary to provide a guideline for clinicians confronted with this syndrome in varying clinical contexts. AREAS COVERED The authors provide a systematic review of the literature found in PubMed and Embase following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. EXPERT OPINION For the treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome, medications targeting the GABA system are preferred. Benzodiazepines are regarded as the gold standard. However, as many adjunct therapeutic options exist, it is essential to find symptom-triggered approaches and treatment protocols for the variety of clinical contexts. Apart from that, it is necessary to compare protocols toward clinical variables rather than investigating medications that are in use for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Glahn
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Social Psychiatry, Hannover Medical School , Hannover, Germany
| | - P J Proskynitopoulos
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Social Psychiatry, Hannover Medical School , Hannover, Germany
| | - S Bleich
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Social Psychiatry, Hannover Medical School , Hannover, Germany
| | - T Hillemacher
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Social Psychiatry, Hannover Medical School , Hannover, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Paracelcus Medical University , Nuremberg, Germany
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9
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Addolorato G, Lesch OM, Maremmani I, Walter H, Nava F, Raffaillac Q, Caputo F. Post-marketing and clinical safety experience with sodium oxybate for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome and maintenance of abstinence in alcohol-dependent subjects. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2019; 19:159-166. [DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2020.1709821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Addolorato
- Alcohol Use Disorder Unit, Division of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Catholic University of Rome, A. Gemelli Hospital, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Otto-Michael Lesch
- Addiction Medicine, University for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Vienna, Austria
| | - Icro Maremmani
- Santa Chiara University Hospital, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Henriette Walter
- Addiction Medicine, University for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Vienna, Austria
| | - Felice Nava
- Penitentiary Medicine and Drug Abuse Unit, Public Health Service Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Fabio Caputo
- Department of Internal Medicine, SS Annunziata Hospital, University of Ferrara, Cento (Ferrara), Italy
- “G. Fontana” Centre for the Study and Multidisciplinary Treatment of Alcohol Addiction, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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10
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Caputo F, Agabio R, Vignoli T, Patussi V, Fanucchi T, Cimarosti P, Meneguzzi C, Greco G, Rossin R, Parisi M, Mioni D, Arico' S, Palmieri VO, Zavan V, Allosio P, Balbinot P, Amendola MF, Macciò L, Renzetti D, Scafato E, Testino G. Diagnosis and treatment of acute alcohol intoxication and alcohol withdrawal syndrome: position paper of the Italian Society on Alcohol. Intern Emerg Med 2019; 14:143-160. [PMID: 30187438 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-018-1933-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The chronic use of alcohol can lead to the onset of an alcohol use disorder (AUD). About 50% of subjects with an AUD may develop alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) when they reduce or discontinue their alcohol consumption and, in 3-5% of them, convulsions and delirium tremens (DTs), representing life-threatening complications, may occur. Unfortunately, few physicians are adequately trained in identifying and treating AWS. The Italian Society on Alcohol has, therefore, implemented a task force of specialists to draw up recommendations for the treatment of AWS with the following main results: (1) while mild AWS may not require treatment, moderate and severe AWS need to be pharmacologically treated; (2) out-patient treatment is appropriate in patients with mild or moderate AWS, while patients with severe AWS need to be treated as in-patients; (3) benzodiazepines, BDZs are the "gold standard" for the treatment of AWS and DTs; (4) alpha-2-agonists, beta-blockers, and neuroleptics may be used in association when BDZs do not completely resolve specific persisting symptoms of AWS; (5) in the case of a refractory form of DTs, the use of anaesthetic drugs (propofol and phenobarbital) in an intensive care unit is appropriate; (6) alternatively to BDZs, sodium oxybate, clomethiazole, and tiapride approved in some European Countries for the treatment of AWS may be employed for the treatment of moderate AWS; (7) anti-convulsants are not sufficient to suppress AWS, and they may be used only in association with BDZs for the treatment of refractory forms of convulsions in the course of AWS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Caputo
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, SS Annunziata Hospital, Via Vicini 2, 44042, Cento, Ferrara, Italy.
- "G. Fontana" Centre for the Study and Multidisciplinary Treatment of Alcohol Addiction, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Roberta Agabio
- Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Teo Vignoli
- Unit of Addiction Treatment, Lugo, Ravenna, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Davide Mioni
- Nursing Home Parco dei Tigli, Teolo, Padova, Italy
| | - Sarino Arico'
- Gastroenterology Unit, Mauriziano Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Ostilio Palmieri
- "Murri" Clinic of Internal Medicine, Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Doda Renzetti
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mater Dei Hospital, Bari, Italy
| | - Emanuele Scafato
- National Observatory on Alcohol, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
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van den Brink W, Addolorato G, Aubin HJ, Benyamina A, Caputo F, Dematteis M, Gual A, Lesch OM, Mann K, Maremmani I, Nutt D, Paille F, Perney P, Rehm J, Reynaud M, Simon N, Söderpalm B, Sommer WH, Walter H, Spanagel R. Efficacy and safety of sodium oxybate in alcohol-dependent patients with a very high drinking risk level. Addict Biol 2018; 23:969-986. [PMID: 30043457 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Medication development for alcohol relapse prevention or reduction of consumption is highly challenging due to methodological issues of pharmacotherapy trials. Existing approved medications are only modestly effective with many patients failing to benefit from these therapies. Therefore, there is a pressing need for other effective treatments with a different mechanism of action, especially for patients with very high (VH) drinking risk levels (DRL) because this is the most severely affected population of alcohol use disorder patients. Life expectancy of alcohol-dependent patients with a VH DRL is reduced by 22 years compared with the general population and approximately 90 000 alcohol-dependent subjects with a VH DRL die prematurely each year in the EU (Rehm et al. ). A promising new medication for this population is sodium oxybate, a compound that acts on GABAB receptors and extrasynaptic GABAA receptors resulting in alcohol-mimetic effects. In this article, a European expert group of alcohol researchers and clinicians summarizes data (a) from published trials, (b) from two new-as yet unpublished-large clinical trials (GATE 2 (n = 314) and SMO032 (n = 496), (c) from post hoc subgroup analyses of patients with different WHO-defined DRLs and (d) from multiple meta-analyses. These data provide convergent evidence that sodium oxybate is effective especially in a subgroup of alcohol-dependent patients with VH DRLs. Depending on the study, abstinence rates are increased up to 34 percent compared with placebo with risk ratios up to 6.8 in favor of sodium oxybate treatment. These convergent data are supported by the clinical use of sodium oxybate in Austria and Italy for more than 25 years. Sodium oxybate is the sodium salt of γ-hydroxybutyric acid that is also used as a recreational (street) drug suggestive of abuse potential. However, a pharmacovigilance database of more than 260 000 alcohol-dependent patients treated with sodium oxybate reported very few adverse side effects and only few cases of abuse. We therefore conclude that sodium oxybate is an effective, well-tolerated and safe treatment for withdrawal and relapse prevention treatment, especially in alcohol-dependent patients with VH DRL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wim van den Brink
- Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center; University of Amsterdam; Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Giovanni Addolorato
- Alcohol Use Disorder Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology; Catholic University of Rome, A. Gemelli Hospital; Rome Italy
| | - Henri-Jean Aubin
- French Institute of Health and Medical Research, Centre de Recherche en Epidémiologie et Santé des Populations (CESP); Paris France
- Addiction Research and Treatment Center, Paul Brousse Hospital, Paris-Sud University; Villejuif France
| | - Amine Benyamina
- Addiction Research and Treatment Center, Paul Brousse Hospital, Paris-Sud University; Villejuif France
| | - Fabio Caputo
- Department of Internal Medicine, SS Annunziata Hospital; Cento (Ferrara) Italy
| | - Maurice Dematteis
- Department of Addiction Medicine; Grenoble-Alpes University Hospital; Genoble France
| | - Antoni Gual
- Psychiatry Department; Neurosciences Institute, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS; Barcelona Spain
| | - Otto-Michael Lesch
- Addiction Medicine; University for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy; Vienna Austria
| | - Karl Mann
- Clinic of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health; University of Heidelberg; Mannheim Germany
| | - Icro Maremmani
- Santa Chiara University Hospital, University of Pisa; Pisa Italy
| | - David Nutt
- Centre for Neuropsychopharmacology, Imperial College London; London UK
| | - François Paille
- Department of Addiction Treatment; University Hospital; Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy France
| | - Pascal Perney
- Addiction Medicine, Hospital Grau-du-Roi; Nimes France
| | - Jürgen Rehm
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health; Toronto Ontario Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health & Department of Psychiatry; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario Canada
- Clinical Psychology & Psychoterapy Technical University Dresden; Dresden Germany
| | - Michel Reynaud
- Paris Sud University and Fonds Actions Addictions; Paris France
| | - Nicolas Simon
- APHM, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Hop Sainte Marguerite, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, CAP-TV; Aix Marseille Univ; Marseille France
| | - Bo Söderpalm
- Section of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy; University of Gothenburg; Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Wolfgang H. Sommer
- Clinic of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health; University of Heidelberg; Mannheim Germany
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health; Heidelberg University; Mannheim Germany
| | - Henriette Walter
- Addiction Medicine; University for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy; Vienna Austria
| | - Rainer Spanagel
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health; Heidelberg University; Mannheim Germany
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Pujol CN, Paasche C, Laprevote V, Trojak B, Vidailhet P, Bacon E, Lalanne L. Cognitive effects of labeled addictolytic medications. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2018; 81:306-332. [PMID: 28919445 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drug usage is pervasive throughout the world, and abuse of these substances is a major contributor to the global disease burden. Many pharmacotherapies have been developed over the last 50years to target addictive disorders. While the efficacy of these pharmacotherapies is largely recognized, their cognitive impact is less known. However, all substance abuse disorders are known to promote cognitive disorders like executive dysfunction and memory impairment. These impairments are critical for the maintenance of addictive behaviors and impede cognitive behavioral therapies that are regularly administered in association with pharmacotherapies. It is also unknown if addictolytic medications have an impact on preexisting cognitive disorders, and if this impact is modulated by the indication of prescription, i.e. abstinence, reduction or substitution, or by the specific action of the medication. METHOD We reviewed the cognitive effects of labeled medications for tobacco addiction (varenicline, bupropion, nicotine patch and nicotine gums), alcohol addiction (naltrexone, nalmefene, baclofen, disulfiram, sodium oxybate, acamprosate), and opioid addiction (methadone, buprenorphine) in human studies. Studies were selected following MOOSE guidelines for systematic reviews of observational studies, using the keywords [Cognition] and [Cognitive disorders] and [treatment] for each medication. RESULTS 971 articles were screened and 77 studies met the inclusion criteria and were reported in this review (for alcohol abuse, n=21, for tobacco n=22, for opioid n=34. However, very few comparative clinical trials have explored the chronic effects of addictolytic medications on cognition in addictive behaviors, and there are no clinical trials on the cognitive impact of nalmefene in patients suffering from alcohol use disorders. DISCUSSION Although some medications seem to enhance cognition in patients suffering from cognitive disorders, others could promote cognitive impairments, and our work highlights a lack of literature on this subject. In conclusion, more comparative clinical trials are needed to better understand the cognitive impact of addictolytic medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Noélie Pujol
- Department of Neurosciences, Institute for Functional Genomics, INSERM U-661, CNRS UMR-5203, 34094 Montpellier, France
| | - Cecilia Paasche
- INSERM 1114, Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Vincent Laprevote
- Centre Psychothérapique de Nancy, Laxou, F-54520, France.; EA 7298, INGRES, Université de Lorraine, Vandoeuvre-lès-, Nancy F-54000, France; CHU Nancy, Maison des Addictions, Nancy, F-54000, France.
| | - Benoit Trojak
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, University Hospital of Dijon, France; EA 4452, LPPM, University of Burgundy, France.
| | - Pierre Vidailhet
- INSERM 1114, Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), 67000 Strasbourg, France; Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), 67000 Strasbourg, France..
| | - Elisabeth Bacon
- INSERM 1114, Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), 67000 Strasbourg, France.
| | - Laurence Lalanne
- INSERM 1114, Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), 67000 Strasbourg, France; Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), 67000 Strasbourg, France..
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Jesse S, Bråthen G, Ferrara M, Keindl M, Ben-Menachem E, Tanasescu R, Brodtkorb E, Hillbom M, Leone M, Ludolph A. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome: mechanisms, manifestations, and management. Acta Neurol Scand 2017; 135:4-16. [PMID: 27586815 PMCID: PMC6084325 DOI: 10.1111/ane.12671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The alcohol withdrawal syndrome is a well‐known condition occurring after intentional or unintentional abrupt cessation of heavy/constant drinking in patients suffering from alcohol use disorders (AUDs). AUDs are common in neurological departments with patients admitted for coma, epileptic seizures, dementia, polyneuropathy, and gait disturbances. Nonetheless, diagnosis and treatment are often delayed until dramatic symptoms occur. The purpose of this review is to increase the awareness of the early clinical manifestations of AWS and the appropriate identification and management of this important condition in a neurological setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Jesse
- Department of Neurology; University Ulm; Ulm Germany
| | - G. Bråthen
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology; Trondheim University Hospital; Trondheim Norway
- Department of Neuroscience; Norwegian University of Science and Technology; Trondheim Norway
| | - M. Ferrara
- Unit of Neurology; IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza; San Giovanni Rotondo Italy
| | - M. Keindl
- Danube University Krems; Krems Austria
| | - E. Ben-Menachem
- Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Neurophysiology; SU/Sahlgrenska Hospital; Gothenburg Sweden
| | - R. Tanasescu
- Department of Neurology; Neurosurgery and Psychiatry; University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila; Colentina Hospital; Bucharest Romania
- Academic Clinical Neurology; Division of Clinical Neuroscience; University of Nottingham; Nottingham UK
| | - E. Brodtkorb
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology; Trondheim University Hospital; Trondheim Norway
- Department of Neuroscience; Norwegian University of Science and Technology; Trondheim Norway
| | - M. Hillbom
- Department of Neurology; Oulu University Hospital; Oulu Finland
| | - M.A. Leone
- Unit of Neurology; IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza; San Giovanni Rotondo Italy
| | - A.C. Ludolph
- Department of Neurology; University Ulm; Ulm Germany
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Addolorato G, Mirijello A, Barrio P, Gual A. Treatment of alcohol use disorders in patients with alcoholic liver disease. J Hepatol 2016; 65:618-30. [PMID: 27155530 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2016.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Revised: 03/24/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) is one of the leading causes of disease and disability in almost all European countries. Among the alcohol-related diseases, alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is the most common. At present, alcohol is the most frequent cause of liver cirrhosis in the Western world. The cornerstone of treatment for ALD is achieving total alcohol abstinence and preventing relapse; medical and surgical treatments for ALD are limited when drinking continues. This narrative review summarizes current treatments for AUDs with a particular emphasis to the treatment of AUDs in patients with ALD. Medical management, psychosocial and pharmacological interventions are analyzed, underlying limits and options in AUD patients. Finally, this review discusses the most appropriate setting for the management of AUD patients with advanced liver disease as well as the indications for liver transplantation in AUD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Addolorato
- Alcohol Use Disorders Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Catholic University of Rome, Italy.
| | - Antonio Mirijello
- Alcohol Use Disorders Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Catholic University of Rome, Italy; Department of Medical Sciences, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza Hospital, San Giovanni Rotondo, FG, Italy
| | - Pablo Barrio
- Department of Psychiatry, Neurosciences Institute, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antoni Gual
- Department of Psychiatry, Neurosciences Institute, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain.
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Caputo F, Maremmani AGI, Addolorato G, Domenicali M, Zoli G, D'Amore A, Maremmani I, Bernardi M. Sodium oxybate plus nalmefene for the treatment of alcohol use disorder: A case series. J Psychopharmacol 2016; 30:402-9. [PMID: 26860331 DOI: 10.1177/0269881116629126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The treatment of alcohol use disorder still remains a challenge. The efficacy of the combined pharmacological treatment for alcohol use disorder has been widely investigated with controversial results. The aim of our case series was to investigate the effect of nalmefene in patients not responding to sodium oxybate therapy. We describe seven cases of consecutive patients affected by alcohol use disorder, and treated with sodium oxybate (50 mg/kg per day) who did not achieve complete alcohol abstinence after at least one month of pharmacological treatment. Then, in partial- and non-responder patients to sodium oxybate treatment, administration of nalmefene, 18 mg as needed, was commenced. Our data show that, during the first month of the combined treatment of sodium oxybate plus nalmefene, patients were able to achieve alcohol abstinence (two patients), to suppress (five cases) or reduce (two patients) episodes of heavy drinking days, and to suppress the onset of craving for sodium oxybate (one patient). Likely, nalmefene may act in modulating the excessive reward effect of sodium oxybate, which may be responsible for the persistence of alcohol intake and for the onset of craving for sodium oxybate. However, controlled clinical trials to confirm the safety and efficacy of sodium oxybate plus nalmefene in treating alcohol use disorder are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Caputo
- Department of Internal Medicine, SS Annunziata Hospital, Cento, Ferrara, Italy 'G Fontana' Centre for the Study and Multidisciplinary Treatment of Alcohol Addiction, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Angelo G I Maremmani
- Vincent P Dole Dual Diagnosis Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Santa Chiara Hospital, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Addolorato
- Alcohol Use Disorders Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Domenicali
- 'G Fontana' Centre for the Study and Multidisciplinary Treatment of Alcohol Addiction, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zoli
- Department of Internal Medicine, SS Annunziata Hospital, Cento, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Antonio D'Amore
- Centre for The Treatment of Alcoholism, Region of Campania, Aversa, Italy
| | - Icro Maremmani
- Vincent P Dole Dual Diagnosis Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Santa Chiara Hospital, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Mauro Bernardi
- 'G Fontana' Centre for the Study and Multidisciplinary Treatment of Alcohol Addiction, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Caputo F, Vignoli T, Tarli C, Domenicali M, Zoli G, Bernardi M, Addolorato G. A Brief Up-Date of the Use of Sodium Oxybate for the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2016; 13:E290. [PMID: 26959045 PMCID: PMC4808953 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13030290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Revised: 02/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD) with sodium oxybate (SMO) or gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) was introduced in Italy and Austria more than 20 years and 15 years ago, respectively, and it is now widely employed to treat alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) and to maintain alcohol abstinence. These indications derive from its similar structure to the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-amino-butyric acid (GABA), exerting an ethanol-mimicking effect, because it binds to GABAB receptors. Craving for, and abuse of, SMO remain a controversial issue; even though these unfavorable effects are evident in poly-drug addicted patients and in those with psychiatric diagnosis of borderline personality disorder. In addition, despite cases of severe intoxication and deaths being widely documented when GHB is used as "street drug"; its clinical use remains safe. Thus, the aim of the present review is to examine the role of SMO in the treatment of AUD, its possible implications in reducing alcohol consumption, and cases of abuse, and severe intoxication due to SMO during its clinical use in the treatment of AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Caputo
- Department of Internal Medicine, SS Annunziata Hospital, Cento, Ferrara 44042, Italy.
- "G. Fontana" Centre for the Study and Multidisciplinary Treatment of Alcohol Addiction, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna 40130, Italy.
| | - Teo Vignoli
- Unit for Addiction Treatment, Department of Mental Health, Lugo, Ravenna 48022, Italy.
| | - Claudia Tarli
- Alcohol Use Disorders Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Rome, Rome 00168, Italy.
| | - Marco Domenicali
- "G. Fontana" Centre for the Study and Multidisciplinary Treatment of Alcohol Addiction, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna 40130, Italy.
| | - Giorgio Zoli
- Department of Internal Medicine, SS Annunziata Hospital, Cento, Ferrara 44042, Italy.
| | - Mauro Bernardi
- "G. Fontana" Centre for the Study and Multidisciplinary Treatment of Alcohol Addiction, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna 40130, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Addolorato
- Alcohol Use Disorders Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Rome, Rome 00168, Italy.
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Fasano A, Deuschl G. Therapeutic advances in tremor. Mov Disord 2015; 30:1557-65. [DOI: 10.1002/mds.26383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2015] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso Fasano
- Morton and Gloria Shulman Movement Disorders Clinic and the Edmond J. Safra Program in Parkinson's Disease, Toronto Western Hospital-UHN, Division of Neurology, University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Günther Deuschl
- Department of Neurology; Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel; Germany
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Mirijello A, D’Angelo C, Ferrulli A, Vassallo G, Antonelli M, Caputo F, Leggio L, Gasbarrini A, Addolorato G. Identification and management of alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Drugs 2015; 75:353-65. [PMID: 25666543 PMCID: PMC4978420 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-015-0358-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) may develop within 6-24 h after the abrupt discontinuation or decrease of alcohol consumption. Symptoms can vary from autonomic hyperactivity and agitation to delirium tremens. The gold-standard treatment for AWS is with benzodiazepines (BZDs). Among the BZDs, different agents (i.e., long-acting or short-acting) and different regimens (front-loading, fixed-dose or symptom-triggered) may be chosen on the basis of patient characteristics. Severe withdrawal could require ICU admission and the use of barbiturates or propofol. Other drugs, such as α2-agonists (clonidine and dexmetedomidine) and β-blockers can be used as adjunctive treatments to control neuroautonomic hyperactivity. Furthermore, neuroleptic agents can help control hallucinations. Finally, other medications for the treatment for AWS have been investigated with promising results. These include carbamazepine, valproate, sodium oxybate, baclofen, gabapentin and topiramate. The usefulness of these agents are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Mirijello
- Alcohol Use Disorders Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Gemelli Hospital, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina D’Angelo
- Alcohol Use Disorders Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Gemelli Hospital, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Ferrulli
- Alcohol Use Disorders Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Gemelli Hospital, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Vassallo
- Alcohol Use Disorders Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Gemelli Hospital, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariangela Antonelli
- Alcohol Use Disorders Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Gemelli Hospital, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Caputo
- Department of Internal Medicine, SS Annunziata Hospital, Cento, Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Clinical Medicine, “G. Fontana” Centre for the Study and Multidisciplinary Treatment of Alcohol Addiction, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Leggio
- Section on Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology, Laboratory of Clinical and Translational Studies, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Alcohol Use Disorders Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Gemelli Hospital, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Addolorato
- Alcohol Use Disorders Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Gemelli Hospital, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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