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Anversa RG, Barron ML, Walker LC, Lawrence AJ. Emerging GPCR targets for AUD: Insights from preclinical studies. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2024; 87:102896. [PMID: 38971113 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2024.102896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest group of membrane receptors in the central nervous system and one of the key proteins for signal transduction between cells. Currently, many drugs available on the market act via GPCRs and these receptors remain attractive targets for the treatment of brain disorders, including alcohol use disorder (AUD). Here, we describe the most recent literature, with a primary focus on the past 5 years, on GPCR targets with the potential for reducing behaviours associated with excessive alcohol intake. Specifically, we focus on preclinical evidence of compounds with attractive pharmacological profiles and potential for future clinical investigation for the treatment of AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Goncalves Anversa
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne 3052, Australia; Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3052, Australia
| | - Maiya L Barron
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne 3052, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - Leigh C Walker
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne 3052, Australia; Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3052, Australia
| | - Andrew J Lawrence
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne 3052, Australia; Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3052, Australia.
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Kotake K, Hosokawa T, Tanaka M, So R, Banno M, Kataoka Y, Shiroshita A, Hashimoto Y. Efficacy and safety of alcohol reduction pharmacotherapy according to treatment duration in patients with alcohol dependence or alcohol use disorder: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Addiction 2024; 119:815-832. [PMID: 38173342 DOI: 10.1111/add.16421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Relapse is common in alcohol dependence (AD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD), so alcohol reduction therapy should be measured over as long a period as possible; however, existing reviews do not consider the duration of treatment and therefore alcohol reduction therapy may not have been appropriately evaluated. This review evaluated the efficacy and safety of alcohol reduction pharmacotherapy in patients with AD or AUD according to the duration of treatment. METHODS We conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed 15 pharmacological agents. MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, the ClinicalTrials.gov and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform were searched for eligible trials through to May 2021. Outcomes were heavy drinking days (HDD), total alcohol consumption (TAC), any adverse event and days without drinking. RESULTS Fifty-five RCTs (n = 8891) were included. Nalmefene was superior to placebo for reducing HDD (standard mean difference [SMD] -0.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.37, -0.18) and TAC (SMD -0.25, 95% CI -0.35, -0.16) in the long-term, but not in the short-term. Topiramate was superior to placebo for reducing HDD (SMD -0.35, 95% CI -0.59, -0.12) and days without drinking (SMD 0.46, 95% CI 0.11, 0.82), and baclofen was superior for reducing TAC (SMD -0.70, 95% CI -1.29, -0.11), in the short-term. The frequency of adverse events was higher with nalmefene and topiramate than with placebo. CONCLUSION Nalmefene, topiramate and baclofen may be effective as alcohol reduction pharmacotherapy; however, only nalmefene has demonstrated long-term efficacy, and nalmefene and topiramate have a significantly higher frequency of adverse events compared with placebo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazumasa Kotake
- Department of Pharmacy, Okayama Saiseikai General Hospital, Okayama, Japan
- Scientific Research Works Peer Support Group (SRWS-PSG), Osaka, Japan
| | - Tomonari Hosokawa
- Department of Psychiatry, Zikei Hospital/Zikei Institute of Psychiatry, Okayama, Japan
| | - Masuo Tanaka
- Department of Psychiatry, Zikei Hospital/Zikei Institute of Psychiatry, Okayama, Japan
| | - Ryuhei So
- Scientific Research Works Peer Support Group (SRWS-PSG), Osaka, Japan
- Department of Psychiatry, Okayama Psychiatric Medical Center, Okayama, Japan
| | - Masahiro Banno
- Scientific Research Works Peer Support Group (SRWS-PSG), Osaka, Japan
- Department of Psychiatry, Seichiryo Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yuki Kataoka
- Scientific Research Works Peer Support Group (SRWS-PSG), Osaka, Japan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kyoto Min-iren Asukai Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Healthcare Epidemiology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine/School of Public Health, Kyoto, Japan
- Section of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Community Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Akihiro Shiroshita
- Scientific Research Works Peer Support Group (SRWS-PSG), Osaka, Japan
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
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Köhne S, Hillemacher T, Glahn A, Bach P. Emerging drugs in phase II and III clinical development for the treatment of alcohol use disorder. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38606899 DOI: 10.1080/14728214.2024.2342951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) poses an ongoing significant global health burden. AUD is highly prevalent and affects not only the individuals with AUD, but also their communities and society at large. Even though pharmacotherapy is an integral part of AUD treatment, the few available substances show limited efficacy and limited clinical impact. Thus, there is a need for new innovative pharmacotherapeutic approaches. AREAS COVERED This paper provides a comprehensive review of drugs approved for the treatment of AUD as well as those currently in phase II and III development. Data from recent clinical trials has been reviewed and supplemented by additional literature based on a systematic search of the PubMed database and clinical trials registries. Compounds discussed include disulfiram, naltrexone, nalmefene, acamprosat, baclofen, sodium oxybate, doxazosin, varenicline, zonisamide, gabapentin, apremilast, ibudilast, ivermectin, tolcapone, mifepristone, suvorexant, ketamine, psilocybin, semaglutide, oxytocin and cannabidiol. EXPERT OPINION Even though the majority of the discussed compounds lack sufficient evidence to support their efficacy, multiple promising new treatment options are currently under investigation. Future research has to consider specific phenotypes and subgroups of AUD as well as a possible enhancement of the effects of psychotherapy through combination with pharmacotherapy. Practitioners should be encouraged to use available compounds to support existing therapeutic regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Köhne
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Hillemacher
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Paracelsus Medical University Nuremberg, Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Alexander Glahn
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Patrick Bach
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim. Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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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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Javaheri S, Randerath WJ, Badr MS, Javaheri S. Medication-Induced Central Sleep Apnea: A Unifying Concept. Sleep 2024:zsae038. [PMID: 38334297 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsae038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Medication-induced central sleep apnea (CSA) is one of the 8 categories of causes of CSA but in the absence of awareness and careful history may be misclassified as primary CSA. While opioids are a well-known cause of respiratory depression and CSA, non-opioids medications including sodium oxybate, baclofen, valproic acid, gabapentin and ticagrelor are less well-recognized. Opioids-induced respiratory depression and CSA are mediated primarily by µ-opioid receptors, which are abundant in the pontomedullary centers involved in breathing. The non-opioid medications, sodium oxybate, baclofen, valproic acid and gabapentin, act upon brainstem gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, which co-colonize with µ-opioid receptors and mediate CSA. The pattern of ataxic breathing associated with these medications is like that induced by opioids on polysomnogram. Finally, ticagrelor also causes periodic breathing and CSA by increasing central chemosensitivity and ventilatory response to carbon dioxide. Given the potential consequences of CSA and the association between some of these medications with mortality, it is critical to recognize these adverse drug reactions, particularly because discontinuation of the offending agents has been shown to eliminate CSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahrokh Javaheri
- Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Bethesda North Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, Adjunct Professor of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, and Emeritus Professor of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio , USA
| | - W J Randerath
- Professor and Head Physician, Institute of Pneumology, University of Cologne, Bethanien Hospital, Solingen, Germany, USA
| | - M Safwan Badr
- Professor and Chair, Department of Internal Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine Detroit, Staff Physician, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, MI, USA
| | - Sogol Javaheri
- Assistant Professor of Sleep Medicine, Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Romanova OL, Blagonravov ML, Djuvalyakov PG, Barinov EK, Ershov AV, Kislov MA. [Features of lung damage in baclofen poisoning]. Sud Med Ekspert 2024; 67:29-33. [PMID: 38353012 DOI: 10.17116/sudmed20246701129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To reveal pathological lung changes in baclofen poisoning and to assess their dynamics. MATERIAL AND METHODS The experiment included 20 mature (at age 20 weeks) male rats of Wistar line weighing 290-350 gr. The animals were divided into 3 study groups (5 rats in each) depending on experiment's duration after 85 mg/kg baclofen administration: 3, 4.5 and 24 h in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd groups, respectively. Control group consisted of 5 animals without baclofen administration. RESULTS A number of pathological reactions, including circulatory disorder (venular and capillary congestion, hemorrhage in interalveolar septa, alveoli, sludge) and the appearance of emphysema loci (interalveolar septa at emphysema loci are thinned), alternating with atelectases and dystelectases. The area taken up by vessels after 4.5 h. baclofen administration was statistically significantly higher than in control group, and after 24 h. - statistically significantly higher than in 4.5 h. The area with white blood cells and WBC/IAP ratio after 4.5 h of baclofen administration were statistically significantly higher than in control group after 3 and 24 h of administration. The number of white blood cells, giving PAS positive reaction, increases during baclofen administration. The complex of pathological lung changes, revealed by ourselves, has a certain dynamics. CONCLUSION The data on morphological lung changes combined with results of chemical examination can be used to diagnose baclofen poisoning and to determine the time elapsed since this medicine administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- O L Romanova
- Russian University of People Friendship, Moscow, Russia
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology «Petrovsky Russian Scientific Center of Surgery», Moscow, Russia
| | | | - P G Djuvalyakov
- Russian University of People Friendship, Moscow, Russia
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology «Petrovsky Russian Scientific Center of Surgery», Moscow, Russia
| | - E Kh Barinov
- Russian University of People Friendship, Moscow, Russia
- A.I. Yevdokimov Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry, Moscow, Russia
| | - A V Ershov
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Intensive Care Medicine and Rehabilitation, Moscow, Russia
| | - M A Kislov
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
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Logge W, Hurzeler T, Arunogiri S, Towers E, Baillie A, Haber PS, Morley K. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical response in alcohol-dependent patients during baclofen treatment and association with clinical outcome: Preliminary results. Alcohol 2023; 112:25-29. [PMID: 37244449 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2023.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Baclofen has been shown to reduce alcohol consumption in some individuals with alcohol use disorder. This preliminary study aimed to evaluate i) the effect of baclofen versus placebo on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical activity (HPA axis), as measured by cortisol, and ii) the relationship between clinical outcomes such as alcohol consumption on a randomized controlled trial of baclofen (BAC) versus placebo (PL) (Kirsten C. Morley et al., 2018; K. C. Morley, Leung, Baillie, & Haber, 2013). We hypothesized that baclofen will reduce HPA-axis activity following a mild stressor in patients with alcohol dependence. Plasma cortisol levels were taken from N = 25 alcohol-dependent patients at two time points, approximately 60 (pre-MRI scan: PreCortisol) and 180 min (post MRI scan: PostCortisol) following administration of PL, BAC 10 mg, or BAC 25 mg. Participants were followed up for the remaining 10 weeks as part of the trial for clinical outcome (percentage days abstinent). Mixed models revealed a significant main effect of medication on cortisol levels (F = 3.88, p = 0.037), no significant effect of time (F = 0.04, p = 0.84), and a significant time × medication interaction (F = 3.54, p = 0.049). Linear regression (F = 6.98, p = 0.01, R2 = 0.66) revealed that abstinence at follow-up, weighted by gender, was predicted by blunted cortisol response (β = -0.48 p = 0.023), in addition to medication (β = 0.73 p = 0.003). In conclusion, our preliminary data suggest that baclofen moderates HPA-axis activity, as measured by blood cortisol, and that these alterations may play a role in long-term treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warren Logge
- Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tristan Hurzeler
- Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Shalini Arunogiri
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre (MAPrc), Department of Psychiatry, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ellen Towers
- Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew Baillie
- Sydney School of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Paul S Haber
- Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Drug Health Services, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kirsten Morley
- Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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Romanova OL, Blagonravov ML, Torshin VI, Dzhuvalyakov PG, Ershov AV, Kislov MA, Magulaev AM. The Effect of the Toxic Dose of Baclofen on Selected Parameters of the Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems. Bull Exp Biol Med 2023; 175:777-780. [PMID: 37979027 DOI: 10.1007/s10517-023-05945-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
The effect of the toxic dose of the muscle relaxant baclofen on the parameters of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems was studied in adult male Wistar rats (n=20). Systolic and diastolic BP, HR, and respiratory rate were measured; histological changes in the lungs 3, 4.5, and 24 h after drug administration. Baclofen was administered orally in a sublethal toxic dose of 85 mg/kg under anesthesia. Cardiac activity was analyzed using RSM physiological indicators monitoring system with MouseMonitor S (Indus Instruments) software. Histological examination was performed by light microscopy. Baclofen significantly decreased the respiratory rate and increased HR and BP. Histological examination of the lungs revealed a complex of general pathological processes, such as local circulatory disorders (venular and capillary fullness, sludge), leukocyte infiltration of the interalveolar septa and their thickening due to edema. These findings can be used to estimate the time elapsed after baclofen treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- O L Romanova
- Institute of Medicine, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow, Russia.
- A. P. Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology, A. P. Petrovsky Russian Research Center of Surgery, Moscow, Russia.
| | - M L Blagonravov
- Institute of Medicine, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow, Russia
| | - V I Torshin
- Institute of Medicine, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow, Russia
| | - P G Dzhuvalyakov
- A. P. Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology, A. P. Petrovsky Russian Research Center of Surgery, Moscow, Russia
| | - A V Ershov
- Federal Research Clinical Center of Intensive Care Medicine and Rehabilitology, Moscow, Russia
- I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - M A Kislov
- I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - A M Magulaev
- I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
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Crunelle CL, Jegham S, Vanderbruggen N, Matthys F. Baclofen during alcohol detoxification reduces the need for additional diazepam: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Alcohol Alcohol 2023; 58:565-569. [PMID: 37526038 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agad050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Baclofen may reduce the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, as an alternative or as an adjuvant for benzodiazepines, but the available data are insufficient to support baclofen-assisted alcohol withdrawal. This study investigated the need for diazepam during acute alcohol withdrawal in patients receiving baclofen. In a single-blind, dose-dependent randomized controlled trial with three study arms, 63 patients with alcohol use disorder, starting in-patient benzodiazepine-assisted alcohol detoxification, were randomly assigned to receive placebo (n = 18), baclofen 30 mg/day (N = 20), or baclofen 60 mg/day (N = 25) for 7 days. Diazepam was provided as needed based on the withdrawal symptoms stated by Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol-revised. The primary outcome measure was the number of patients in need of diazepam during alcohol detoxification. Secondary outcome measure included the between-group difference in the amount of diazepam needed during alcohol detoxification. Using baclofen 60 mg/day, 32% of patients needed additional diazepam compared to 35% on baclofen 30 mg/day and compared to 72% on placebo (P = .013). The median total amount of diazepam needed was significantly lower in patients receiving baclofen 60 mg/day (0 ± 10 mg diazepam) and baclofen 30 mg/day (0 ± 10 mg diazepam) compared to placebo (10 ± 43 mg diazepam; P = .017). Adverse events were comparable between patients on baclofen and placebo. Baclofen can reduce the withdrawal symptoms during alcohol detoxification. Baclofen was well tolerated and may be considered for the management of alcohol withdrawal syndrome, especially useful in situations where benzodiazepines should be withheld, such as patients with liver impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cleo L Crunelle
- Department of Psychiatry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Sami Jegham
- Department of Psychiatry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Vanderbruggen
- Department of Psychiatry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Frieda Matthys
- Department of Psychiatry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, Brussels 1090, Belgium
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Duan F, Zhai H, Liu C, Chang C, Song S, Li J, Cheng J, Yang S. Systematic review and meta-analysis: Efficacy and safety of baclofen in patients with alcohol use disorder co-morbid liver diseases. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 164:477-484. [PMID: 37441998 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.06.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Baclofen is the only drug that has been investigated in randomized controlled studies for anti-craving in patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and liver disease. However, the results of its efficacy are controversial due to limited case numbers; therefore, a meta-analysis of all available studies is needed to verify efficacy and safety in this population. This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to the Cochrane Collaboration Handbook (PROSPERO ID: CRD42021284439) clauses. PubMed, Embase, Medline, Cochrane, and Clinical Trials. Gov were searched for patients with AUD co-morbid liver diseases who used baclofen to maintain abstinence. The primary outcome was maintaining abstinence. Baclofen safety was evaluated by adverse reaction occurrence during treatment. A total of 322 patients with AUD co-morbid liver diseases (alcohol-related liver disease, hepatitis C, or cirrhosis) from five studies were included. The total abstinence rate was 53% (95% CI: 0.23-0.84). Specifically, the abstinence rate in patients with alcohol-related liver disease and cirrhosis was 63% and 55%, respectively. We further analyzed the two included randomized controlled studies to compare the efficacy between baclofen and a placebo. There was no significant difference in abstinence rates between baclofen and the placebo (RR: 1.42, 95% CI: 0.41-4.92). One serious adverse event was reported, and no cases of baclofen addiction were found. The abstinence rate in patients with AUD co-morbid liver diseases was 53%; however, the efficacy of baclofen for maintaining abstinence in this population still needs to be validated with further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Duan
- Division 3, Department of Hepatology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Hang Zhai
- Division 3, Department of Hepatology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Chen Liu
- Division 3, Department of Hepatology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Chunyan Chang
- Division 3, Department of Hepatology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Shanshan Song
- Division 3, Department of Hepatology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Junnan Li
- Division 3, Department of Hepatology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Jun Cheng
- Division 3, Department of Hepatology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Song Yang
- Division 3, Department of Hepatology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China; Division 2, Department of Hepatology, The Fourth People's Hospital of Qinghai Province, 810000, China.
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Heilig M. Stress-related neuropeptide systems as targets for treatment of alcohol addiction: A clinical perspective. J Intern Med 2023; 293:559-573. [PMID: 37052145 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol use is a major cause of disability and death globally. These negative consequences disproportionately affect people who develop alcohol addiction, a chronic relapsing condition characterized by increased motivation to use alcohol, choice of alcohol over healthy, natural rewards, and continued use despite negative consequences. Available pharmacotherapies for alcohol addiction are few, have effect sizes in need of improvement, and remain infrequently prescribed. Research aimed at developing novel therapeutics has in large part focused on attenuating pleasurable or "rewarding" properties of alcohol, but this targets processes that primarily play a role as initiation factors. As clinical alcohol addiction develops, long-term changes in brain function result in a shift of affective homeostasis, and rewarding alcohol effects become progressively reduced. Instead, increased stress sensitivity and negative affective states emerge in the absence of alcohol and create powerful incentives for relapse and continued use through negative reinforcement, or "relief." Based on research in animal models, several neuropeptide systems have been proposed to play an important role in this shift, suggesting that these systems could be targeted by novel medications. Two mechanisms in this category, antagonism at corticotropin-releasing factor type 1, and neurokinin 1/substance P receptors, have been subject to initial evaluation in humans. A third, kappa-opioid receptor antagonism, has been evaluated in nicotine addiction and could soon be tested for alcohol. This paper discusses findings with these mechanisms to date, and their prospects as future targets for novel medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Heilig
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, BKV, Linköping University and Department of Psychiatry, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden
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Beck A, Ebrahimi C, Rosenthal A, Charlet K, Heinz A. The Dopamine System in Mediating Alcohol Effects in Humans. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2023. [PMID: 36705911 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2022_415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Brain-imaging studies show that the development and maintenance of alcohol use disorder (AUD) is determined by a complex interaction of different neurotransmitter systems and multiple psychological factors. In this context, the dopaminergic reinforcement system appears to be of fundamental importance. We focus on the excitatory and depressant effects of acute versus chronic alcohol intake and its impact on dopaminergic neurotransmission. Furthermore, we describe alterations in dopaminergic neurotransmission as associated with symptoms of alcohol dependence. We specifically focus on neuroadaptations to chronic alcohol consumption and their effect on central processing of alcohol-associated and reward-related stimuli. Altered reward processing, complex conditioning processes, impaired reinforcement learning, and increased salience attribution to alcohol-associated stimuli enable alcohol cues to drive alcohol seeking and consumption. Finally, we will discuss how the neurobiological and neurochemical mechanisms of alcohol-associated alterations in reward processing and learning can interact with stress, cognition, and emotion processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Beck
- Faculty of Health, Health and Medical University, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Claudia Ebrahimi
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt- Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Annika Rosenthal
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt- Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katrin Charlet
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt- Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Heinz
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt- Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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Agabio R, Saulle R, Rösner S, Minozzi S. Baclofen for alcohol use disorder. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 1:CD012557. [PMID: 36637087 PMCID: PMC9837849 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012557.pub3] [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: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is one of the most widespread psychiatric disorders leading to detrimental consequences to people with this disorder and others. Worldwide, the prevalence of heavy episodic drinking (30-day prevalence of at least one occasion of 60 g of pure alcohol intake among current drinkers) is estimated at 20% and the prevalence of AUD at 5% of the adult general population, with highest prevalence in Europe and North America. Therapeutic approaches, including pharmacotherapy, play an important role in treating people with AUD. This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2018. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the benefits and harms of baclofen on achieving and maintaining abstinence or reducing alcohol consumption in people with AUD compared to placebo, no treatment or any other pharmacological relapse prevention treatment. SEARCH METHODS We used standard, extensive Cochrane search methods. The latest search was 22 November 2021. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of at least four weeks' treatment duration and 12 weeks' overall study duration comparing baclofen for AUD treatment with placebo, no treatment or other treatments. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard Cochrane methods. Our primary outcomes were 1. relapse, 2. frequency of use, 3. amount of use, 4. adverse events, 5. dropouts from treatment and 6. dropouts from treatment due to adverse events. Our secondary outcomes were 7. craving, 8. anxiety, 9. depression and 10. frequency of most relevant adverse events. MAIN RESULTS We included 17 RCTs (1818 participants) with a diagnosis of alcohol dependence according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition or International Classification of Diseases 10th edition criteria. Mean age was 46.5 years and 70% were men. Ten studies compared baclofen to placebo or another medication; seven compared two baclofen doses to placebo or another medication. Globally, 15 studies compared baclofen to placebo, two baclofen to acamprosate and two baclofen to naltrexone. In 16 studies, participants received psychosocial treatments. We judged most studies at low risk of selection, performance, detection (subjective outcome), attrition and reporting bias. Ten studies detoxified participants before treatment; in seven studies, participants were still drinking at the beginning of treatment. Treatment duration was 12 weeks for 15 RCTs and longer in two studies. Baclofen daily dose was 30 mg to 300 mg: 10 RCTs used low doses (30 mg or less); eight RCTs medium doses (above 30 and 100 mg or less) and four RCTs high doses (above 100 mg). Compared to placebo, moderate-certainty evidence found that baclofen probably decreases the risk to relapse (risk ratio (RR) 0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.77 to 0.99; 12 studies, 1057 participants). This result was confirmed among detoxified participants but not among other subgroups of participants. High-certainty evidence found that baclofen increases the percentage of days abstinent (mean difference (MD) 9.07, 95% CI 3.30 to 14.85; 16 studies, 1273 participants). This result was confirmed among all subgroups of participants except non-detoxified or those who received medium doses. There was no difference between baclofen and placebo in the other primary outcomes: heavy drinking days (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.18, 95% CI -0.48 to 0.11; 13 studies, 840 participants; moderate-certainty evidence); number of drinks per drinking days (MD -0.45, 95% CI -1.20 to 0.30; 9 studies, 392 participants; moderate-certainty evidence); number of participants with at least one adverse event (RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.11; 10 studies, 738 participants; high-certainty evidence); dropouts (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.03; 17 studies, 1563 participants; high-certainty evidence); dropouts due to adverse events (RR 1.39, 95% CI 0.89 to 2.18; 16 studies, 1499 participants; high-certainty evidence). These results were confirmed by subgroup analyses except than for the dropouts that resulted lower among participants who received high doses of baclofen and studies longer than 12 weeks. Compared to placebo, there was no difference in craving (SMD -0.16, 95% CI -0.37 to 0.04; 17 studies, 1275 participants), anxiety (MD -0.01, 95% CI -0.14 to 0.11; 15 studies, 1123 participants) and depression (SMD 0.07, 95% CI -0.12 to 0.27; 11 studies, 1029 participants). Concerning the specific adverse events, baclofen increases fatigue, dizziness, somnolence/sedation, dry mouth, paraesthesia and muscle spasms/rigidity. There was no difference in the other adverse events. Compared to acamprosate, one study (60 participants) found no differences in any outcomes but the evidence was very uncertain: relapse (RR 1.25, 95% CI 0.71 to 2.20; very low-certainty evidence); number of participants with at least one adverse event (RR 0.63, 95% CI 0.23 to 1.69; very low-certainty evidence); dropouts (RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.21 to 1.46; very low-certainty evidence); dropouts due to adverse events (RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.01 to 7.87; very low-certainty evidence) and craving (MD 5.80, 95% CI -11.84 to 23.44); and all the adverse events evaluated. Compared to naltrexone, baclofen may increase the risk of relapse (RR 2.50, 95% CI 1.12 to 5.56; 1 study, 60 participants; very low-certainty evidence) and decrease the number of participants with at least one adverse event (RR 0.35, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.80; 2 studies, 80 participants; very low-certainty evidence) but the evidence is very uncertain. One study (60 participants) found no difference between baclofen and naltrexone in the dropouts at the end of treatment (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.32 to 3.10; very low-certainty evidence), craving (MD 2.08, 95% CI -3.71 to 7.87), and all the adverse events evaluated. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Baclofen likely reduces the risk of relapse to any drinking and increases the percentage of abstinent days, mainly among detoxified participants. It does not increase the number of participants with at least one adverse event, those who dropout for any reason or due to adverse events. It probably does not reduce number of heavy drinking days and the number of drinks per drinking days. Current evidence suggests that baclofen may help people with AUD in maintaining abstinence. The results of comparisons of baclofen with acamprosate and naltrexone were mainly based on only one study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Agabio
- Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Rosella Saulle
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Minozzi
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Rome, Italy
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Logge W, Baillie A, Haber P, Towers E, Riordan BC, Morley K. Sex differences in the interrelations between stress, craving and alcohol consumption across individuals and time during baclofen treatment for alcohol dependence. Addict Behav 2023; 136:107462. [PMID: 36084413 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2022.107462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Recent studies have suggested that females respond more favourably to baclofen treatment for alcohol use disorder. Females are generally more likely to drink to regulate stress reactivity and negative affect. This study thus aimed to evaluate the role of sex on the effect of baclofen on the relationship between daily alcohol consumption, stress and craving. METHODS A network analysis of fluctuations using vectorized autoregressive modelling was used to explore the relationship between daily surveys of alcohol consumption, stress and craving from daily diary data over 84 days from a randomised controlled trial of baclofen (30 mg or 75 mg per day) versus placebo in 104 participants with alcohol dependence (1, 2). Symptom interrelations across patients and across time were examined including temporal networks (time lagged), contemporaneous and between-subjects networks, and were examined for placebo and baclofen stratified by sex. RESULTS Overall, between persons, there was a significant relationship between stress and drinking in placebo treated individuals in females (r = -0.70, p < 0.001) but not males (r = 0.32, p = 0.054) that was not observed in baclofen treated individuals. No relationship was observed between stress and drinking in the baclofen group for either sex (p's < 0.45). DISCUSSION There appears to be some sex-specific differences whereby baclofen abolishes an overall association between stress and drinking in females, but this is not observed in males. Network analyses may assist in elucidating the mechanism of action of alcohol pharmacotherapies such as baclofen and understanding which symptoms and mechanisms are key for effective interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warren Logge
- Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia; Edith Collins Centre for Translational Research, Sydney Local Health District NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew Baillie
- Sydney School of Health Sciences, the University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Paul Haber
- Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia; Edith Collins Centre for Translational Research, Sydney Local Health District NSW, Australia
| | - Ellen Towers
- Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Benjamin C Riordan
- Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia; Centre for Alcohol Policy Research (CAPR), La Trobe University, VIC, Australia
| | - Kirsten Morley
- Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia; Edith Collins Centre for Translational Research, Sydney Local Health District NSW, Australia.
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15
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Effects of baclofen on insular gain anticipation in alcohol-dependent patients - a randomized, placebo-controlled, pharmaco-fMRI pilot trial. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023; 240:171-183. [PMID: 36538099 PMCID: PMC9816215 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06291-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE One hallmark of addiction is an altered neuronal reward processing. In healthy individuals (HC), reduced activity in fronto-striatal regions including the insula has been observed when a reward anticipation task was performed repeatedly. This effect could indicate a desensitization of the neural reward system due to repetition. Here, we investigated this hypothesis in a cohort of patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD), who have been treated with baclofen or a placebo. The efficacy of baclofen in AUD patients has been shown to have positive clinical effects, possibly via indirectly affecting structures within the neuronal reward system. OBJECTIVES Twenty-eight recently detoxified patients (13 receiving baclofen (BAC), 15 receiving placebo (PLA)) were investigated within a longitudinal, double-blind, and randomized pharmaco-fMRI design with an individually adjusted daily dosage of 30-270 mg. METHODS Brain responses were captured by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during reward anticipation while participating in a slot machine paradigm before (t1) and after 2 weeks of individual high-dose medication (t2). RESULTS Abstinence rates were significantly higher in the BAC compared to the PLA group during the 12-week high-dose medication phase. At t1, all patients showed significant bilateral striatal activation. At t2, the BAC group showed a significant decrease in insular activation compared to the PLA group. CONCLUSIONS By affecting insular information processing, baclofen might enable a more flexible neuronal adaptation during recurrent reward anticipation, which could resemble a desensitization as previously observed in HC. This result strengthens the modulation of the reward system as a potential mechanism of action of baclofen. TRIAL REGISTRATION Identifier of the main trial (the BACLAD study) at clinical.gov: NCT0126665.
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16
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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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Antonelli M, Sestito L, Tarli C, Addolorato G. Perspectives on the pharmacological management of alcohol use disorder: Are the approved medications effective? Eur J Intern Med 2022; 103:13-22. [PMID: 35597734 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2022.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In the last decades, many medications have been tested for the treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Among them, disulfiram, acamprosate, naltrexone, nalmefene, sodium oxybate and baclofen have been approved in different countries, with different specific indications. Topiramate is not approved for the treatment of AUD, however, it is suggested as a therapeutic option by the American Psychiatric Association for patients who do not tolerate or respond to approved therapies. AREAS COVERED In this narrative review we have analyzed the main studies available in literature, investigating the efficacy and safety of these medications, distinguishing whether they were oriented towards abstinence or not. Randomized controlled studies, analyzing larger populations for longer periods were the main focus of our analysis. CONCLUSIONS The medications currently available for the treatment of AUD are quite effective, yet further progress can still be achieved through the personalized strategies. Also, these medications are still markedly underutilized in clinical practice and many patients do not have access to specialized treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariangela Antonelli
- Internal Medicine and Alcohol Related Disease Unit, Columbus-Gemelli Hospital, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Sestito
- Internal Medicine and Alcohol Related Disease Unit, Columbus-Gemelli Hospital, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Tarli
- Internal Medicine and Alcohol Related Disease Unit, Columbus-Gemelli Hospital, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Addolorato
- Internal Medicine and Alcohol Related Disease Unit, Columbus-Gemelli Hospital, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy; CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy.
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Martins B, Rutland W, De Aquino JP, Kazer BL, Funaro M, Potenza MN, Angarita GA. Helpful or Harmful? The Therapeutic Potential of Medications with Varying Degrees of Abuse Liability in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders. CURRENT ADDICTION REPORTS 2022; 9:647-659. [PMID: 35990796 PMCID: PMC9376579 DOI: 10.1007/s40429-022-00432-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review This review summarizes recent clinical trial research on pharmacological treatments for substance use disorders, with a specific focus on agents with potential abuse liability. Recent Findings Pharmacological treatments for substance use disorders may include gabapentinoids, baclofen, modafinil, ketamine, cannabinoids, gamma-hydroxybutyrate, and psychedelics. Gabapentinoids may decrease negative subjective effects of withdrawal in alcohol and cannabis use disorders. Cannabinoids similarly appear to decrease use and withdrawal symptoms in cannabis use disorder, while research shows stimulant medications may reduce cravings and increase abstinence in cocaine use disorder. Ketamine and psychedelics may help treat multiple substance use disorders. Ketamine may reduce withdrawal symptoms, promote abstinence, and diminish cravings in alcohol and cocaine use disorders and psychedelics may promote remission, decrease use, and reduce cravings in alcohol and opioid use disorders. Summary Regardless of current regulatory approval statuses and potentials for abuse, multiple agents should not be dismissed prematurely as possible treatments for substance use disorders. However, further clinical research is needed before effective implementation can begin in practice. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40429-022-00432-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradford Martins
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George Street, Suite 901, New Haven, CT 06511 USA
- Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit, Connecticut Mental Health Center, 34 Park Street, New Haven, CT 06519 USA
| | - Will Rutland
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George Street, Suite 901, New Haven, CT 06511 USA
- Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit, Connecticut Mental Health Center, 34 Park Street, New Haven, CT 06519 USA
| | - Joao P. De Aquino
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George Street, Suite 901, New Haven, CT 06511 USA
- Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit, Connecticut Mental Health Center, 34 Park Street, New Haven, CT 06519 USA
| | - Benjamin L. Kazer
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George Street, Suite 901, New Haven, CT 06511 USA
- Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit, Connecticut Mental Health Center, 34 Park Street, New Haven, CT 06519 USA
| | - Melissa Funaro
- Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510 USA
| | - Marc N. Potenza
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George Street, Suite 901, New Haven, CT 06511 USA
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510 USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510 USA
- Connecticut Mental Health Center, 34 Park Street, New Haven, CT 06519 USA
- Connecticut Council On Problem Gambling, Wethersfield, CT 06109 USA
- Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510 USA
| | - Gustavo A. Angarita
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George Street, Suite 901, New Haven, CT 06511 USA
- Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit, Connecticut Mental Health Center, 34 Park Street, New Haven, CT 06519 USA
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Tarli C, Mirijello A, Addolorato G. Treating Alcohol Use Disorder in Patients with Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease: Controversies in Pharmacological Therapy. Semin Liver Dis 2022; 42:138-150. [PMID: 35292951 DOI: 10.1055/a-1798-2872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is one of the main causes of global death and disability. The liver represents the main target of alcohol damage, and alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) represents the first cause of liver cirrhosis in Western countries. Alcohol abstinence is the main goal of treatment in AUD patients with ALD, as treatments for ALD are less effective when drinking continues. Moreover, the persistence of alcohol consumption is associated with higher mortality, increased need for liver transplantation, and graft loss. The most effective treatment for AUD is the combination of psychosocial interventions, pharmacological therapy, and medical management. However, the effectiveness of these treatments in patients with ALD is doubtful even because AUD patients with ALD are usually excluded from pharmacological trials due to concerns on liver safety. This narrative review will discuss the treatment options for AUD-ALD patients focusing on controversies in pharmacological therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Tarli
- Internal Medicine and Alcohol Related Disease Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Columbus-Gemelli Hospital, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Mirijello
- Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Giovanni Addolorato
- Internal Medicine and Alcohol Related Disease Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Columbus-Gemelli Hospital, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Hepatology and Gastroenterology Unit, Catholic University of Rome, l.go Gemelli, Rome, Italy.,Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Columbus-Gemelli Hospital, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A.Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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20
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Morley KC, Louie E, Hurzeler T, Baillie A, Dore G, Phung N, Haber PS. Sex as a Potential Moderator for Baclofen Response in the Treatment of Alcohol Dependence. Front Glob Womens Health 2022; 3:807269. [PMID: 35425938 PMCID: PMC9001901 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2022.807269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Recent studies indicate that sex may moderate the response to baclofen in the treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD). We conducted a secondary analysis of a double-blind randomized controlled trial, Baclofen in the treatment of Alcohol Liver Disease (BacALD), to examine the moderating role of sex on treatment response to baclofen in reducing alcohol consumption. Methods Alcohol-dependent patients (n = 104 including 74 men and 30 women) were treated for 12 weeks with baclofen (30 mg/day or 75 mg) or placebo. Predefined primary outcomes included time to lapse (any drinking) and relapse (≥ 5 drinks per day in men and ≥ 4drinks per day in women). Other outcomes included drinks per drinking day, the number of heavy drinking days, and percentage of days abstinent. We also examined the frequency of adverse events with an exploratory dose–response analysis. Results There was a main effect of baclofen for days to first lapse for women (Log Rank: χ2 = 6.23, p = 0.01, d = 0.49) but not for men (Log Rank: χ2 = 2.48, p = 0.12, d = 0.22) and a marginal effect of baclofen for days to first relapse for women (Log Rank: χ2 = 3.15, p = 0.08, d = 0.27) but not for men (Log Rank: χ2 = 2.03, p = 0.16, d = 0.17). There were no significant effects of sex on the frequency of adverse events reported for the combined-dose or between-dose analysis (all p > 0.44). Conclusion Baclofen significantly delayed the time to lapse for women but not male participants. These findings provide some support for the hypothesis that sex may be a potential moderator of baclofen response in the treatment of AUD. Trial Registration https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01711125, identifier: NCT01711125.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten C. Morley
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Central Clinical School, Specialty of Addiction Medicine, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW, Australia
- Edith Collins Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Kirsten C. Morley
| | - Eva Louie
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Central Clinical School, Specialty of Addiction Medicine, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW, Australia
| | - Tristan Hurzeler
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Central Clinical School, Specialty of Addiction Medicine, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew Baillie
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW, Australia
| | - Glenys Dore
- Herbert St Alcohol Clinic, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nghi Phung
- Centre for Addiction Medicine, Westmead Hospital, Parramatta, NSW, Australia
| | - Paul S. Haber
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Central Clinical School, Specialty of Addiction Medicine, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW, Australia
- Edith Collins Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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de Beaurepaire R, Rolland B. Baclofen in alcohol use disorder: An analysis of the data provided by the French "Temporary Recommendation for Use" 2014-2017 cohort. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:949750. [PMID: 36311508 PMCID: PMC9597083 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.949750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a devastating illness for which effective treatments are lacking. Studies over the last two decades have shown that baclofen, a GABA-B agonist, could be a promising treatment for AUD. However, the efficacy of baclofen is still controversial, and studies have shown that it may be associated with an excess of hospitalizations and deaths. In March 2014, the French Health Safety Agency granted a "Temporary Recommendation for Use" (TRU) regulating the prescription of baclofen in subjects with AUD. The TRU allowed physicians to prescribe high-dose baclofen (up to 300 mg/d). The doses were adjusted, and tailored to the needs of each patient. Between March 2014 and March 2017, TRU clinical data were collected for a total of 6,939 subjects. The recorded data included information on alcohol consumption, the intensity of alcohol cravings, and adverse events. The present article proposes an analysis of the data provided by the TRU. Subjects for which data were missing regarding baclofen daily dosage, alcohol consumption or craving scores were discarded from the analyses. A cohort of two groups of subjects was analyzed. The first group included all TRU subjects suitable for analyses (5,550 subjects), and the second group included subjects followed for at least 365 days (169 subjects). Comparisons were made between baseline and endpoint of the follow-up period. The results show that a majority of subjects in the whole cohort had received doses of over 80 mg/d. The mean dose of baclofen at the endpoint was >110 mg/d in the second group of subjects. Doses of >80 mg/d were not associated with an increase in adverse events after adjustment for the follow-up duration. In terms of efficacy, comparisons between baseline and endpoint show that baclofen treatment significantly decreased alcohol consumption and alcohol cravings, and significantly increased the number of subjects with null or low-risk alcohol consumption according to WHO criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Benjamin Rolland
- Academic Department of Addiction Medicine in Lyon, Centre Hospitalier Le Vinatier, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
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22
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Scherrer B, Guiraud J, Addolorato G, Aubin HJ, de Bejczy A, Benyamina A, van den Brink W, Caputo F, Dematteis M, Goudriaan AE, Gual A, Kiefer F, Leggio L, Lesch OM, Maremmani I, Nutt DJ, Paille F, Perney P, Poulnais R, Raffaillac Q, Rehm J, Rolland B, Simon N, Söderpalm B, Sommer WH, Walter H, Spanagel R. Baseline severity and the prediction of placebo response in clinical trials for alcohol dependence: A meta-regression analysis to develop an enrichment strategy. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2021; 45:1722-1734. [PMID: 34418121 PMCID: PMC9291112 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is considerable unexplained variability in alcohol abstinence rates (AR) in the placebo groups of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for alcohol dependence (AD). This is of particular interest because placebo responses correlate negatively with treatment effect size. Recent evidence suggests that the placebo response is lower in very heavy drinkers who show no "spontaneous improvement" prior to treatment initiation (high-severity population) than in a mild-severity population and in studies with longer treatment duration. We systematically investigated the relationship between population severity, treatment duration, and the placebo response in AR to inform a strategy aimed at reducing the placebo response and thereby increasing assay sensitivity in RCTs for AD. METHODS We conducted a systematic literature review on placebo-controlled RCTs for AD.We assigned retained RCTs to high- or mild-severity groups of studies based on baseline drinking risk levels and abstinence duration before treatment initiation. We tested the effects of population severity and treatment duration on the placebo response in AR using meta-regression analysis. RESULTS Among the 19 retained RCTs (comprising 1996 placebo-treated patients), 11 trials were high-severity and 8 were mild-severity RCTs. The between-study variability in AR was lower in the high-severity than in the mild-severity studies (interquartile range: 7.4% vs. 20.9%). The AR in placebo groups was dependent on population severity (p = 0.004) and treatment duration (p = 0.017) and was lower in the high-severity studies (16.8% at 3 months) than the mild-severity studies (36.7% at 3 months). CONCLUSIONS Pharmacological RCTs for AD should select high-severity patients to decrease the magnitude and variability in the placebo effect and and improve the efficiency of drug development efforts for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Scherrer
- Bruno Scherrer Conseil, Saint Arnoult en Yvelines, France
| | - Julien Guiraud
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,DA 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, Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Columbus-Gemelli Hospital, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Henri-Jean Aubin
- Centre de Recherche en Epidémiologie et Santé des Populations (CESP), French Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm), Paris, 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, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Amine Benyamina
- Addiction Research and Treatment Center, Paul Brousse Hospital, Paris-Sud University, Villejuif, France
| | - Wim van den Brink
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Fabio Caputo
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Translational Medicine, Center for the Study and Treatment of Alcohol-Related Diseases, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Translational Medicine, Center for the Study and Treatment of Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) and Gastroenterological Manifestations of Rare Diseases, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Internal Medicine, Santissima Annunziata Hospital, Cento (Ferrara), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maurice Dematteis
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble Alpes University, Grenoble, France
| | - Anna E Goudriaan
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Research and Quality of Care, Arkin, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Antoni Gual
- Psychiatry Department, Neurosciences Institute, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Falk Kiefer
- Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, Institute of Psychopharmacology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Bethania Hospital for Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Lorenzo Leggio
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Basic Research, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore and Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Medication Development Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.,Division of Addiction Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Otto-Michael Lesch
- Department of Social Psychiatry, University for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Vienna, Austria
| | - Icro Maremmani
- Santa Chiara University Hospital, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - David J 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
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Clinical Psychology and 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
- UCBL, INSERM U1028, CNRS UMR5292, Centre de Recherche en Neuroscience de Lyon (CRNL), Univ Lyon, Bron, France
| | - Nicolas Simon
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, CAP-TV, Aix Marseille Univ, APHM, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Hop Sainte Marguerite, Marseille, France
| | - Bo Söderpalm
- Section of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Wolfgang H Sommer
- Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, Institute of Psychopharmacology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Central Institute of Mental Health, Institute of Psychopharmacology, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Henriette Walter
- Department of Social Psychiatry, University for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rainer Spanagel
- Central Institute of Mental Health, Institute of Psychopharmacology, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
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23
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Recommendations from the EXTRIP workgroup on extracorporeal treatment for baclofen poisoning. Kidney Int 2021; 100:720-736. [PMID: 34358487 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2021.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Baclofen toxicity results from intentional self-poisoning ("acute baclofen poisoning") or accumulation of therapeutic dose in the setting of impaired kidney function. Standard care includes baclofen discontinuation, respiratory support and seizure treatment. Use of extracorporeal treatments (ECTRs) is controversial. To clarify this, a comprehensive review of the literature on the effect of ECTRs in baclofen toxicity was performed and recommendations following EXTRIP methods were formulated based on 43 studies. (1 comparative cohort, 1 aggregate results cohort, 1 pharmacokinetic modeling, and 40 patient reports or series). Toxicokinetic data were available for 20 patients. Baclofen's dialyzability is limited by a high endogenous clearance and a short half-life in patients with normal kidney function. The workgroup assessed baclofen as "Moderately dialyzable" by intermittent hemodialysis for patients with normal kidney function (quality of evidence C) and "Dialyzable" for patients with impaired kidney function (quality of evidence C). Clinical data were available for 25 patients with acute baclofen poisoning and 46 patients with toxicity from therapeutic baclofen in kidney impairment. No deaths or sequelae were reported. Mortality in historical controls was rare. No benefit of ECTR was identified in patients with acute baclofen poisoning. Indirect evidence suggests a benefit of ECTR in reducing the duration of toxic encephalopathy from therapeutic baclofen in kidney impairment. These potential benefits were balanced against added costs and harms related to the insertion of a catheter, the procedure itself, and the potential of baclofen withdrawal. Thus, the EXTRIP workgroup suggests against performing ECTR in addition to standard care for acute baclofen poisoning and suggests performing ECTR in toxicity from therapeutic baclofen in kidney impairment, especially in the presence of coma requiring mechanical ventilation.
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24
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Romito JW, Turner ER, Rosener JA, Coldiron L, Udipi A, Nohrn L, Tausiani J, Romito BT. Baclofen therapeutics, toxicity, and withdrawal: A narrative review. SAGE Open Med 2021; 9:20503121211022197. [PMID: 34158937 PMCID: PMC8182184 DOI: 10.1177/20503121211022197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Baclofen is an effective therapeutic for the treatment of spasticity related to multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, and other spinal cord pathologies. It has been increasingly used off-label for the management of several disorders, including musculoskeletal pain, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and alcohol use disorder. Baclofen therapy is associated with potential complications, including life-threatening toxicity and withdrawal syndrome. These disorders require prompt recognition and a high index of suspicion. While these complications can develop following administration of either oral or intrathecal baclofen, the risk is greater with the intrathecal route. The management of baclofen toxicity is largely supportive while baclofen withdrawal syndrome is most effectively treated with re-initiation or supplementation of baclofen dosing. Administration of other pharmacologic adjuncts may be required to effectively treat associated withdrawal symptoms. This narrative review provides an overview of the historical and emerging uses of baclofen, offers practical dosing recommendations for both oral and intrathecal routes of administration, and reviews the diagnosis and management of both baclofen toxicity and withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia W Romito
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain
Management, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX,
USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Neurology, The University
of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Emily R Turner
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain
Management, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX,
USA
| | - John A Rosener
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain
Management, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX,
USA
| | - Landon Coldiron
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain
Management, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX,
USA
| | - Ashutosh Udipi
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain
Management, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX,
USA
| | - Linsey Nohrn
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain
Management, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX,
USA
| | - Jacob Tausiani
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain
Management, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX,
USA
| | - Bryan T Romito
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain
Management, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX,
USA
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25
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Identification of a G-Protein-Independent Activator of GIRK Channels. Cell Rep 2021; 31:107770. [PMID: 32553165 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.107770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
G-protein-gated inwardly rectifying K+ (GIRK) channels are essential effectors of inhibitory neurotransmission in the brain. GIRK channels have been implicated in diseases with abnormal neuronal excitability, including epilepsy and addiction. GIRK channels are tetramers composed of either the same subunit (e.g., homotetramers) or different subunits (e.g., heterotetramers). Compounds that specifically target subsets of GIRK channels in vivo are lacking. Previous studies have shown that alcohol directly activates GIRK channels through a hydrophobic pocket located in the cytoplasmic domain of the channel. Here, we report the identification and functional characterization of a GIRK1-selective activator, termed GiGA1, that targets the alcohol pocket. GiGA1 activates GIRK1/GIRK2 both in vitro and in vivo and, in turn, mitigates the effects of a convulsant in an acute epilepsy mouse model. These results shed light on the structure-based development of subunit-specific GIRK modulators that could provide potential treatments for brain disorders.
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26
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Logge WB, Morris RW, Baillie AJ, Haber PS, Morley KC. Baclofen attenuates fMRI alcohol cue reactivity in treatment-seeking alcohol dependent individuals. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2021; 238:1291-1302. [PMID: 30788529 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-019-05192-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Baclofen has been shown to effect fMRI alcohol cue reactivity in alcohol dependence, but potential varying effects related to baclofen dose levels have not been examined. OBJECTIVE This study investigated whether baclofen attenuates craving and alcohol cue-elicited activation in alcohol-dependent treatment seekers, and the relationship between this response and clinical outcomes (Morley et al. 2018; Morley et al. 2013). METHODS Participants included 30 alcohol-dependent individuals who had received daily baclofen 30 mg (n = 11), 75 mg (n = 8) or placebo (n = 11) for at least 2 weeks. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we examined alcohol cue-elicited neural activation during a visual alcohol cue reactivity task 120 min following treatment administration, and alcohol cue reactivity and percentage of heavy drinking days (% HDD) associations were assessed. RESULTS Both baclofen-treated groups reported fewer post-scan % HDD when compared to the placebo-treated group, but no subjective craving group differences were found. Increased alcohol cue-elicited activation was seen in placebo compared to the 75 mg/day baclofen participants in two clusters spanning prefrontal regions implicated in cue reactivity, chiefly frontal regions (i.e., frontal and precentral gyri, anterior cingulate cortex), but no observed alcohol cue reactivity differences between placebo and 30 mg/day baclofen groups. Post-scan % HDD was positively correlated with increased alcohol cue-elicited activation in a cluster encompassing the bilateral caudate nucleus and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex when comparing placebo versus 75 mg/day baclofen groups, and several clusters including prefrontal and mesolimbic regions when comparing placebo versus 30 mg/day baclofen groups. CONCLUSIONS Baclofen administration attenuates alcohol cue-elicited activation and reduced the association in baclofen-treated participants between increased activity in key drug cue reactivity regions and higher post-scan % HDD observed in placebo-treated participants, suggesting a dose-specific response effect that may lead to reduced heavy drinking in chronic alcohol-dependent individuals. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT01711125, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show /NCT01711125.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warren B Logge
- Discipline of Addiction Medicine, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Lv 6, King George V Building, 83-117 Missenden Rd, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia.
| | - Richard W Morris
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, & Centre for Translational Data Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew J Baillie
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Paul S Haber
- Discipline of Addiction Medicine, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Lv 6, King George V Building, 83-117 Missenden Rd, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia
- Drug Health Services, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Kirsten C Morley
- Discipline of Addiction Medicine, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Lv 6, King George V Building, 83-117 Missenden Rd, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia
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27
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Morley KC, Logge WB, Fraser I, Morris RW, Baillie AJ, Haber PS. High-dose baclofen attenuates insula activation during anticipatory anxiety in treatment-seeking alcohol dependant individuals: Preliminary findings from a pharmaco-fMRI study. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2021; 46:28-36. [PMID: 33735709 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2021.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The GABA B agonist, baclofen, has been shown to reduce alcohol consumption in patients with alcohol use disorder and also those with comorbid anxiety. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of baclofen versus placebo on the BOLD response during an anticipatory anxiety fMRI task in treatment seeking alcohol patients. Participants included 28 alcohol dependant individuals who had received daily baclofen 30 mg (n = 10), 75 mg (n = 8) or placebo (n = 10) for at least 2 week on a randomized controlled trial (Morley, Leung et al. 2013, Morley, Baillie et al. 2018). Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we examined threat cue-elicited neural activation during a threat reactivity task 120 min following administration of BAC (30 mg or 75 mg) or placebo. Whole-brain analyses revealed no significant differences between the combined BAC doses versus PL. However, there were significant decreases in anticipatory threat cue-elicited activation observed in BAC 75 mg/day compared to PL participants in the insula. In response to threat cues, high dose (75 mg/day) baclofen administration attenuates activation in the insula and inferior frontal gyrus, relative to placebo. These preliminary findings suggests that modulating emotional regulation and attentional allocation during high threat stimuli may be mediated by GABA B receptors and may be a potential mechanism of action for baclofen's beneficial treatment effects for alcohol use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten C Morley
- Discipline of Addiction Medicine, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia; Edith Collins Centre (Translational Research in Alcohol, Drugs and Toxicology), Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Warren B Logge
- Discipline of Addiction Medicine, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia; Drug Health Services, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, NSW, Australia; Edith Collins Centre (Translational Research in Alcohol, Drugs and Toxicology), Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Isabel Fraser
- Discipline of Addiction Medicine, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Richard W Morris
- Psychological Medicine, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew J Baillie
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Paul S Haber
- Discipline of Addiction Medicine, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia; Drug Health Services, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, NSW, Australia; Edith Collins Centre (Translational Research in Alcohol, Drugs and Toxicology), Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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28
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Minnaard AM, Ramakers GM, Vanderschuren LJ, Lesscher HM. Baclofen and naltrexone, but not N-acetylcysteine, affect voluntary alcohol drinking in rats regardless of individual levels of alcohol intake. Behav Pharmacol 2021; 32:251-257. [PMID: 33315615 PMCID: PMC7960148 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In humans, there is profound individual variation in the risk of alcohol use disorder (AUD). Because GABA, opioid and glutamate neurotransmission have been implicated in AUD, functional differences in these neural systems may underlie the individual vulnerability to AUD. We therefore determined the effects of drugs affecting GABA, opioid and glutamatergic neurotransmission on alcohol consumption in rats that differed in baseline alcohol intake. Subgroups of low-, medium- and high-alcohol-drinking rats were selected on the basis of alcohol consumption using an intermittent alcohol access procedure. The subgroups were treated with the GABAB receptor agonist baclofen, the opioid receptor antagonist naltrexone and the cysteine precursor N-acetylcysteine, and the effects on alcohol intake and preference were determined. Both baclofen and naltrexone reduced alcohol consumption, but N-acetylcysteine did not. These effects were comparable for low-, medium- and high-alcohol-drinking rats. However, there was a substantial degree of individual variation in the responsivity to baclofen and naltrexone, across the subgroups. Taken together, these results suggest that variation in alcohol consumption does not predict the responsivity to baclofen and naltrexone. This implies that individual variability in alcohol consumption on the one hand and sensitivity to treatment with these drugs on the other hand represent separate processes that likely involve distinct biological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Maryse Minnaard
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Unit Animals in Science and Society, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
| | - Geert M.J. Ramakers
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
| | - Louk J.M.J. Vanderschuren
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Unit Animals in Science and Society, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
| | - Heidi M.B. Lesscher
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Unit Animals in Science and Society, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
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29
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Augier E. Recent Advances in the Potential of Positive Allosteric Modulators of the GABAB Receptor to Treat Alcohol Use Disorder. Alcohol Alcohol 2021; 56:139-148. [PMID: 33561865 PMCID: PMC7906877 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agab003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims The effects of alcohol on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transmission are key for the development and maintenance of alcohol use disorder (AUD). Previous research consistently indicates that GABAB receptor agonists such as baclofen can attenuate addiction-related behaviors in preclinical models of AUD. More importantly, baclofen has also shown promise in clinical studies, particularly in severely alcohol-dependent patients. However, despite this promise, other clinical studies have not confirmed its efficacy and chiefly, larger clinical trials have not been conducted. Therefore, with the exception of France, baclofen is not approved for the treatment of AUD in any other country. Furthermore, it is also important to keep in mind that some patients treated with baclofen may experience important side-effects, including sedation, drowsiness and sleepiness. Methods This short review will first discuss the history of baclofen for AUD treatment. We will then summarize preclinical behavioral results that have investigated the efficacy of GABAB PAMs for addiction treatment, with a special focus on our recent work that investigated the effects of ADX71441, a novel GABAB PAM, on several alcohol-related behaviors in rats that model important aspects of human AUD. Finally, in light of the recent criticism about the translational value of animal models of addiction, the specific translational potential of our work and of other preclinical studies that have unanimously reported the efficacy of GABAB PAMs to attenuate multiple alcohol-related behaviors will be discussed. Results Positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of the GABAB receptor offer an attractive alternative approach to baclofen and have the potential to achieve mechanistic and therapeutic effects similar to GABAB agonists, while avoiding the tolerance and toxicity issues associated with baclofen. To date, all preclinical behavioral results have invariably shown the efficacy of GABAB PAMs for addiction treatment. Conclusions Preclinical studies indicate that GABAB PAMs have a higher therapeutic index than orthosteric agonists, at least in terms of mitigating the sedative effects of GABAB agonism. This predicts that GABAB PAMs have a high translational potential in humans and merit being tested clinically, in particular in patients with severe AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Augier
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, BKV, Linköping University, Linköping 58183, Sweden
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30
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A deeper insight into how GABA-B receptor agonism via baclofen may affect alcohol seeking and consumption: lessons learned from a human laboratory investigation. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:545-555. [PMID: 30382188 PMCID: PMC6494745 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-018-0287-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies suggest that GABA-B receptor agonism may represent an effective pharmacological approach to treat addictive disorders. Baclofen is a selective GABA-B receptor agonist which has been investigated as a potential treatment for alcohol use disorder. However, research is needed to understand the biobehavioral mechanisms underlying baclofen's effect on alcohol use. In the present randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, thirty-four alcohol-dependent individuals were randomized to receive baclofen (30 mg/d) or placebo for a week, and then participated in a laboratory experiment consisting of three procedures: alcohol cue-reactivity, priming, and self-administration. During the experiment, craving and other subjective responses to alcohol were assessed, and blood samples were collected for pharmacokinetic measurements. The effects of baclofen on the relationships between different alcohol-related laboratory parameters were investigated. Baclofen pharmacokinetic parameters and their correlations with behavioral measures were also examined. Results showed that baclofen disrupted the link between alcohol priming and self-administration, as indicated by significant interaction effects between drug condition (baclofen vs. placebo) and some of the priming variables (alcohol craving: F3,9 = 6.03, p = 0.01; alcohol sedation: F3,6 = 7.16, p = 0.01) on the total amount of alcohol self-administered. Considerable interindividual variability in baclofen pharmacokinetic parameters was observed. Maximum plasma concentrations of baclofen negatively correlated with cue-induced alcohol craving (r = -0.57, p = 0.03) and priming-induced ratings of 'like more' (r = -0.59, p = 0.02). In conclusion, baclofen may work by dissociating the link between an initial drink (priming) and subsequent alcohol consumption (self-administration). Considerable pharmacokinetic variability is an important factor to take into account when employing baclofen as a treatment for alcohol use disorder.
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Abstract
Bislang sind nur wenige Medikamente zur pharmakologischen Rückfallprophylaxe der Alkoholabhängigkeit zugelassen. Neben dem in Deutschland nicht mehr vertriebenen Disulfiram sind es die Opioidantagonisten Naltrexon und Nalmefen sowie das vermutlich über glutamaterge Neurone wirkende Acamprosat. Baclofen und γ‑Hydroxybutyrat (GHB) sind in einzelnen Ländern zugelassen. Wirkstoffe wie z. B. Vareniclin, Gabapentin und Topiramat können für die Rückfallprophylaxe der Alkoholabhängigkeit von Interesse sein, jedoch ist bislang keine Zulassung erfolgt. Vor dem Hintergrund der zur Revision anstehenden S3-Leitlinie zur Diagnose und Behandlung alkoholbezogener Störungen wird der heutige Kenntnisstand zur Pharmakotherapie der Alkoholabhängigkeit dargestellt.
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Choudhary NS, Saraf N, Mehrotra S, Saigal S, Soin AS. Recidivism in Liver Transplant Recipients for Alcohol-related Liver Disease. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2021; 11:387-396. [PMID: 33994719 PMCID: PMC8103326 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2020.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) is the only cure for patients with end-stage liver disease, which offers good long-term survival. The long-term issues after LT affecting survival are cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, de novo malignancies, recurrence of original disease and immunological causes. Alcoholic-related liver disease (ALD) is one of the most common indications for LT worldwide including India. LT for ALD is associated with several unique challenges as compared with other etiologies. Long-term survival after LT in patients with ALD is affected by recidivism. Various studies have shown different predictors of relapse; the main predictors of relapse are pretransplant abstinence, psychiatric comorbidities, and lack of social support. Although several risk scores have been proposed, these scores are not validated. Studies with active involvement of psychiatrist have shown lower relapse rates. The relapse prevention strategy for reducing likelihood and severity of relapse after initial cessation of alcohol uses a combination of pharmacotherapy and cognitive behavioral approach (identifying and addressing high-risk situations for relapse).
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Affiliation(s)
- Narendra S. Choudhary
- Institute of Liver Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Medanta the Medicity, Gurgaon, Delhi (NCR), India
| | - Neeraj Saraf
- Institute of Liver Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Medanta the Medicity, Gurgaon, Delhi (NCR), India,Address for correspondence: Medanta Institute of Liver Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Medanta The Medicity hospital, sector 38, Gurgaon, Delhi (NCR), India.
| | - Saurabh Mehrotra
- Department of Mental Health, Medanta the Medicity, Gurgaon, Delhi (NCR), India
| | - Sanjiv Saigal
- Institute of Liver Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Medanta the Medicity, Gurgaon, Delhi (NCR), India
| | - Arvinder S. Soin
- Institute of Liver Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Medanta the Medicity, Gurgaon, Delhi (NCR), India
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Straus C, Teulier M, Morel S, Wattiez N, Hajage D, Giboin C, Charbit B, Dasque E, Bodineau L, Chenuel B, Straus N, Attali V, Similowski T. Baclofen destabilises breathing during sleep in healthy humans: A randomised, controlled, double-blind crossover trial. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2020; 87:1814-1823. [PMID: 32986891 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.14569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Periodic breathing is frequent in patients with severe heart failure. Apart from being an indicator of severity, periodic breathing has its own deleterious consequences (sleep-related oxygen desaturations, sleep fragmentation), which justifies attempts to correct it irrespective of the underlying disease. Animal models and human data suggest that baclofen can reconfigure respiratory central pattern generators. We hypothesised that baclofen, a GABAB agonist, may thus be able to correct periodic breathing in humans. METHODS Healthy volunteers were exposed to hypoxia during sleep. Participants who developed periodic breathing (n = 14 [53 screened]) were randomly assigned to double-blind oral baclofen (progressively increased to 60 mg/d) or placebo. The primary outcome was the coefficient of variation (CoVar) of respiratory cycle total time considered as an indicator of breathing irregularity. Secondary outcomes included the CoVar of tidal volume, apnoea-hypopnoea index, sleep fragmentation index and ventilatory complexity (noise limit). RESULTS The analysis was conducted in 9 subjects after exclusion of incomplete datasets. CoVar of respiratory cycle total time significantly increased with baclofen during non-rapid eye movement sleep (median with placebo 56.00% [37.63-78.95]; baclofen 85.42% [68.37-86.40], P = .020; significant difference during the N1-N2 phases of sleep but not during the N3 phase). CoVar of tidal volume significantly increased during N1-N2 sleep. The apnoea-hypopnoea index, sleep fragmentation index and ventilatory complexity were not significantly different between placebo and baclofen. CONCLUSION Baclofen did not stabilise breathing in our model. On the contrary, it increased respiratory variability. Baclofen should probably not be used in patients with or at risk of periodic breathing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Straus
- Sorbonne Université, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), UMRS1158 Neurophysiologie Respiratoire Expérimentale et Clinique, Paris, France.,AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier APHP-Sorbonne Université, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Département R3S, Service des Explorations Fonctionnelles de la Respiration, de l'Exercice et de la Dyspnée, Paris, France
| | - Marion Teulier
- Sorbonne Université, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), UMRS1158 Neurophysiologie Respiratoire Expérimentale et Clinique, Paris, France
| | - Sébastien Morel
- Sorbonne Université, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), UMRS1158 Neurophysiologie Respiratoire Expérimentale et Clinique, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Wattiez
- Sorbonne Université, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), UMRS1158 Neurophysiologie Respiratoire Expérimentale et Clinique, Paris, France
| | - David Hajage
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, AP-HP. Sorbonne Université, Hôpital Pitié Salpêtrière, Département de Santé Publique, Unité de Recherche Clinique Salpêtrière-Charles Foix, Centre de Pharmacoépidémiologie (Cephepi), Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Caroline Giboin
- AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier APHP-Sorbonne Université, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Unité de Recherche Clinique Salpêtrière-Charles Foix, Paris, France
| | - Beny Charbit
- INSERM and AP-HP, CIC-1901 module Paris-Est, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire APHP-Sorbonne Université, site Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France.,Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, CHU Reims, Hôpital Robert Debré, Reims, France
| | - Eric Dasque
- INSERM and AP-HP, CIC-1901 module Paris-Est, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire APHP-Sorbonne Université, site Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Laurence Bodineau
- Sorbonne Université, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), UMRS1158 Neurophysiologie Respiratoire Expérimentale et Clinique, Paris, France
| | - Bruno Chenuel
- CHRU de Nancy, Service des Explorations Fonctionnelles Respiratoires et Centre Universitaire de Médecine du Sport et Activité Physique Adaptée, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France.,Faculté de Médecine de Nancy, EA DevAH - Universié de Lorraine, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Nicolas Straus
- Sorbonne Université, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), UMRS1158 Neurophysiologie Respiratoire Expérimentale et Clinique, Paris, France
| | - Valérie Attali
- Sorbonne Université, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), UMRS1158 Neurophysiologie Respiratoire Expérimentale et Clinique, Paris, France.,AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier APHP-Sorbonne Université, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Département R3S, Service des Pathologies du Sommeil, Paris, France
| | - Thomas Similowski
- Sorbonne Université, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), UMRS1158 Neurophysiologie Respiratoire Expérimentale et Clinique, Paris, France.,AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier APHP-Sorbonne Université, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Département R3S, Service de Pneumologie, Médecine Intensive et Réanimation, Paris, France
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Rigal L, Sidorkiewicz S, Tréluyer JM, Perrodeau E, Le Jeunne C, Porcher R, Jaury P. Titrated baclofen for high-risk alcohol consumption: a randomized placebo-controlled trial in out-patients with 1-year follow-up. Addiction 2020; 115:1265-1276. [PMID: 31833590 DOI: 10.1111/add.14927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Rigal
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, CESP, Villejuif, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, Département de Médecine Générale, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.,Institut national d'études démographiques (INED), Paris, France
| | - Stéphanie Sidorkiewicz
- Université de Paris, Faculté de Santé, UFR de Médecine, Département de Médecine Générale, Paris, France.,Université de Paris, CRESS, INSERM, INRA, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Marc Tréluyer
- Unité de recherche clinique, School of Medicine, Paris Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Elodie Perrodeau
- Université de Paris, CRESS, INSERM, INRA, Paris, France.,Centre d'épidémiologie clinique, AP-HP, Hôpital Hôtel-Dieu, Paris, France
| | - Claire Le Jeunne
- Service de médecine interne APHP-Hôpital Cochin, Paris, France.,Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Raphaël Porcher
- Université de Paris, CRESS, INSERM, INRA, Paris, France.,Centre d'épidémiologie clinique, AP-HP, Hôpital Hôtel-Dieu, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Jaury
- Université de Paris, Faculté de Santé, UFR de Médecine, Département de Médecine Générale, Paris, France
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Yoo ER, Cholankeril G, Ahmed A. Treating Alcohol Use Disorder in Chronic Liver Disease. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2020; 15:77-80. [PMID: 32226621 PMCID: PMC7098671 DOI: 10.1002/cld.881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
http://aasldpubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/hub/journal/10.1002/(ISSN)2046-2484/video/15-2-reading-yoo a video presentation of this article http://aasldpubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/hub/journal/10.1002/(ISSN)2046-2484/video/15-2-interview-yoo an interview with the author Answer questions and earn https://www.wileyhealthlearning.com/Activity/7036145/disclaimerspopup.aspx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric R. Yoo
- Department of Internal MedicineSanta Clara Valley Medical CenterSan JoseCA
| | - George Cholankeril
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyStanford University School of MedicineStanfordCA
| | - Aijaz Ahmed
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyStanford University School of MedicineStanfordCA
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Reynoard J, Schmitt C, Torrents R, Simon N. Toxicological considerations in the prescription of baclofen for the treatment of substance use disorders. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2020; 16:309-317. [PMID: 32149546 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2020.1740681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: For many years, applications for baclofen have widened in the treatment of substance abuse disorder (SUD), mainly alcohol use disorder, with a growing rate of off-label prescriptions in Europe. Clinical effects seem to be both a decrease of craving and anxiety, leading to a decrease of drug or alcohol consumption. We described baclofen poisoning circumstances, therapeutic options and outcomes when used in substance use disorders.Areas covered: This review summarizes the toxicological considerations where baclofen was prescribed in humans for substance use or abuse disorder in randomized clinical trials, case series, case reports and observational studies between 1990 and 2020 according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic reviews and Meta-Analysis.Expert opinion: The most frequent cause of severe intoxication is self-poisoning. A dose above 180 mg are expected to cause severe toxicity and death. The treatment is only symptomatic as no antidote is available. Off-label prescription remains unsafe because the optimal dose is not known and varies greatly between patients. As SUD are frequently associated with psychiatric disorders and such patients may have suicidal thoughts, the risk of self-poisoning is high. Potential co-ingestants should also be considered, especially CNS depressants, and they need to be closely monitored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Reynoard
- Pharmacologie Clinique CAP-TV, APHM, Hôpitaux Sud, Marseille, France
| | - Corinne Schmitt
- Pharmacologie Clinique CAP-TV, APHM, Hôpitaux Sud, Marseille, France
| | - Romain Torrents
- APHM, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Hôpital Sainte Marguerite Pharmacologie Clinique CAP-TV, Aix Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
| | - Nicolas Simon
- APHM, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Hôpital Sainte Marguerite Pharmacologie Clinique CAP-TV, Aix Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
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37
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Logge WB, Baillie AJ, Haber PS, Morley KC. Baclofen modulates cardiovascular responses to appetitive cues in treatment-seeking alcohol use disorder individuals. Hum Psychopharmacol 2020; 35:e2722. [PMID: 32045501 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2722] [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] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess whether baclofen-treated alcohol dependent participants show different subjective and psychophysiological responses to appetitive cues during an alcohol cue reactivity task compared to placebo, and whether these responses are associated with prospective drinking outcomes. METHODS Forty-two alcohol dependent participants (placebo: n = 12, low-dose baclofen [30 mg/day] n = 18, high-dose baclofen [75 mg/day]: n = 12) completed an alcohol cue reactivity task, whereby water and alcohol beverage cues were presented, with subsequent recovery periods, and subjective alcohol craving and psychophysiological indices (skin conductance; cardiovascular measures: heart rate, high-frequency heart rate variability) were recorded. RESULTS High-dose baclofen-treated participants showed both overall cue reactivity to water and alcohol cues and greater recovery effects during recovery periods, revealed by high-frequency heart rate variability, when compared to low-dose- and placebo-treated participants. There were no medication effects on subjective craving. In high-dose baclofen participants only, there was a predictive effect of lower baseline heart rate variability and fewer post-test percentage of heavy drinking days. CONCLUSION There was a dose-specific rescuing effect of high-dose baclofen on the dynamic modulation of cardiovascular responses to eliciting cues. Investigation of treatment responses using psychophysiological techniques may elucidate baclofen's mechanisms of action, and identify subgroups amenable to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warren B Logge
- Discipline of Addiction Medicine, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Drug Health Services, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew J Baillie
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Paul S Haber
- Discipline of Addiction Medicine, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Drug Health Services, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kirsten C Morley
- Discipline of Addiction Medicine, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Addolorato G, Vassallo GA, Mirijello A, Gasbarrini A. Diagnosis and Management of Alcohol Use Disorder in Patients with Liver Disease: Lights and Shadows. Neurotherapeutics 2020; 17:127-141. [PMID: 31713188 PMCID: PMC7007485 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-019-00802-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder is the most common cause of advanced liver disease in the Western world. Diagnosis of alcohol use disorder can be difficult because patients with liver disease tend to deny alcohol intake for the fear of being excluded from treatment and because available biomarkers of alcohol intake have poor specificity in these patients. Alcohol abstinence is the cornerstone of the therapy in these patients. However, pharmacological treatments for alcohol use disorders have not been formally tested in patients with advanced liver disease, except for baclofen. Psychosocial intervention became crucial in these patients considering the limited pharmacological choice. However, psychosocial approach and an appropriate team to manage these patients are not still well defined. In this review, we critically discuss the diagnosis and the management of alcohol use disorder in patients with liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Addolorato
- "Internal Medicine and Alcohol Related Disease" Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A Gemelli IRCCS Research Hospital, Rome, Italy.
| | - Gabriele A Vassallo
- "Internal Medicine and Alcohol Related Disease" Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Barone Lombardo Hospital, Canicattì, Italy
| | - Antonio Mirijello
- "Internal Medicine and Alcohol Related Disease" Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza Hospital, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A Gemelli IRCCS Research Hospital, Rome, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Abstract
Harmful alcohol use and alcohol use disorders (AUD) result in major health and community burden worldwide, yet treatment options are limited. Novel pharmacotherapies are urgently required, and treatments involving GABAB receptors have been used in treating alcohol-related disorders. This chapter will review the clinical evidence of GABAB pharmacotherapies, such as baclofen and γ-hydroxybutyric acid. This includes the use of these treatments in individuals experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms and outlining the outcomes of studies of alcohol relapse prevention relapse including case studies, comparative studies and randomised controlled trials. Laboratory research investigating biobehavioural effects of baclofen will also be summarised and polymorphisms associated with baclofen treatment, and safety concerns of GABAB treatments will be addressed. In summary, pharmacological treatments targeting GABAB receptors such as baclofen may be modestly effective in the management of alcohol use disorder, but safety concerns limit the widespread applicability of the currently available agents.
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40
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is a distressing and life-threatening condition that usually affects people who are alcohol dependent when they discontinue or decrease their alcohol consumption. Baclofen shows potential for rapidly reducing symptoms of severe AWS in people with alcoholism. Treatment with baclofen is easy to manage and rarely produces euphoria or other pleasant effects, or craving for the drug. This is an updated version of the original Cochrane Review first published in 2011 and last updated in 2017. OBJECTIVES To assess the efficacy and safety of baclofen for people with AWS. SEARCH METHODS We updated our searches of the following databases to June 2019: the Cochrane Drugs and Alcohol Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL, PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL. We also searched registers of ongoing trials. We handsearched the references quoted in the identified trials, and sought information from researchers, pharmaceutical companies, and relevant trial authors about unpublished or uncompleted trials. We placed no restrictions on language. SELECTION CRITERIA We included all randomised controlled clinical trials (RCTs) evaluating baclofen versus placebo or any other treatment for people with AWS. We excluded uncontrolled, non-randomised, or quasi-randomised trials. We included both parallel group and cross-over studies. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. MAIN RESULTS We included four RCTs with 189 randomised participants (one RCT new for this update). None of the included studies reported the primary outcomes of alcohol withdrawal seizures, alcohol withdrawal delirium, or craving. For the comparison of baclofen and placebo (1 study, 31 participants), there was no evidence of a difference in Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment of Alcohol Scale, Revised (CIWA-Ar) scores in eight-hour periods from days one to five (very low-quality evidence). For the comparison of baclofen and diazepam (2 studies, 85 participants), there was no evidence of a difference in change from baseline to days 10 to 15 on CIWA-Ar scores (very low-quality evidence, meta-analysis was not performed due to insufficient data). In one study (37 participants), there was no evidence of a difference in participants with at least one adverse event (risk difference (RD) 0.00, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.10 to 0.10; very low-quality evidence), dropouts (RD 0.00, 95% CI -0.10 to 0.10; very low-quality evidence), and dropouts due to adverse events (RD 0.00, 95% CI -0.10 to 0.10; very low-quality evidence). For the comparison of baclofen and chlordiazepoxide (1 study, 60 participants), there was no evidence of a difference in difference from baseline to nine-day decremental fixed-dose intervention: CIWA-Ar scores (mean difference (MD) 1.00, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.30; very low-quality evidence), global improvement (MD 0.10, 95% CI -0.03 to 0.23; very low-quality evidence), 14/60 participants with adverse events (RD 2.50, 95% CI 0.88 to 7.10; very low-quality of evidence), dropouts (RD 0.00, 95% CI -0.06 to 0.06; very low-quality evidence), and dropouts due to adverse events (RD 0.00, 95% CI -0.06 to 0.06; very low-quality evidence). None of the RCTs provided information on random sequence generation or allocation concealment, therefore, we assessed them at unclear risk of bias. Two RCTs were not of double-blind design and had a high risk of bias in blinding (Addolorato 2006; Girish 2016). One RCT had more than 5% dropouts with high risk of attrition bias (Lyon 2011). We could not assess reporting bias as none of the prepublished protocols were available. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS No conclusions can be drawn about the efficacy and safety of baclofen for the management of alcohol withdrawal because we found insufficient and very low-quality evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Liu
- Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityDepartment of NeurologyChangchun Street 45BeijingChina100053
| | - Lu‐Ning Wang
- Chinese PLA General HospitalDepartment of Geriatric NeurologyFuxing Road 28Haidian DistrictBeijingChina100853
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Miguel E, Vekovischeva O, Kuokkanen K, Vesajoki M, Paasikoski N, Kaskinoro J, Myllymäki M, Lainiola M, Janhunen SK, Hyytiä P, Linden A, Korpi ER. GABA B receptor positive allosteric modulators with different efficacies affect neuroadaptation to and self-administration of alcohol and cocaine. Addict Biol 2019; 24:1191-1203. [PMID: 30421860 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Revised: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Drugs of abuse induce widespread synaptic adaptations in the mesolimbic dopamine (DA) neurons. Such drug-induced neuroadaptations may constitute an initial cellular mechanism eventually leading to compulsive drug-seeking behavior. To evaluate the impact of GABAB receptors on addiction-related persistent neuroplasticity, we tested the ability of orthosteric agonist baclofen and two positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of GABAB receptors to suppress neuroadaptations in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and reward-related behaviors induced by ethanol and cocaine. A novel compound (S)-1-(5-fluoro-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-2-yl)-4-methyl-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinazolin-5(4H)-one (ORM-27669) was found to be a GABAB PAM of low efficacy as agonist, whereas the reference compound (R,S)-5,7-di-tert-butyl-3-hydroxy-3-trifluoromethyl-3H-benzofuran-2-one (rac-BHFF) had a different allosteric profile being a more potent PAM in the calcium-based assay and an agonist, coupled with potent PAM activity, in the [35 S] GTPγS binding assay in rat and human recombinant receptors. Using autoradiography, the high-efficacy rac-BHFF and the low-efficacy ORM-27669 potentiated the effects of baclofen on [35 S] GTPγS binding with identical brain regional distribution. Treatment of mice with baclofen, rac-BHFF, or ORM-27669 failed to induce glutamate receptor neuroplasticity in the VTA DA neurons. Pretreatment with rac-BHFF at non-sedative doses effectively reversed both ethanol- and cocaine-induced plasticity and attenuated cocaine i.v. self-administration and ethanol drinking. Pretreatment with ORM-27669 only reversed ethanol-induced neuroplasticity and attenuated ethanol drinking but had no effects on cocaine-induced neuroplasticity or self-administration. These findings encourage further investigation of GABAB receptor PAMs with different efficacies in addiction models to develop novel treatment strategies for drug addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Miguel
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Helsinki Finland
| | - Olga Vekovischeva
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Helsinki Finland
| | - Katja Kuokkanen
- Research and Development, Orion Pharma, Orion Corporation Finland
| | - Marja Vesajoki
- Research and Development, Orion Pharma, Orion Corporation Finland
| | - Nelli Paasikoski
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Helsinki Finland
| | - Janne Kaskinoro
- Research and Development, Orion Pharma, Orion Corporation Finland
| | - Mikko Myllymäki
- Research and Development, Orion Pharma, Orion Corporation Finland
| | - Mira Lainiola
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Helsinki Finland
| | | | - Petri Hyytiä
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Helsinki Finland
| | - Anni‐Maija Linden
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Helsinki Finland
| | - Esa R. Korpi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Helsinki Finland
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Heilig M, Augier E, Pfarr S, Sommer WH. Developing neuroscience-based treatments for alcohol addiction: A matter of choice? Transl Psychiatry 2019; 9:255. [PMID: 31594920 PMCID: PMC6783461 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-019-0591-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Excessive alcohol use is the cause of an ongoing public health crisis, and accounts for ~5% of global disease burden. A minority of people with recreational alcohol use develop alcohol addiction (hereafter equated with "alcohol dependence" or simply "alcoholism"), a condition characterized by a systematically biased choice preference for alcohol at the expense of healthy rewards, and continued use despite adverse consequences ("compulsivity"). Alcoholism is arguably the most pressing area of unmet medical needs in psychiatry, with only a small fraction of patients receiving effective, evidence-based treatments. Medications currently approved for the treatment of alcoholism have small effect sizes, and their clinical uptake is negligible. No mechanistically new medications have been approved since 2004, and promising preclinical results have failed to translate into novel treatments. This has contributed to a reemerging debate whether and to what extent alcohol addiction represents a medical condition, or reflects maladaptive choices without an underlying brain pathology. Here, we review this landscape, and discuss the challenges, lessons learned, and opportunities to retool drug development in this important therapeutic area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Heilig
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, S-581 83, Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Eric Augier
- 0000 0001 2162 9922grid.5640.7Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, S-581 83 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Simone Pfarr
- 0000 0004 0477 2235grid.413757.3Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), J 5, 68159 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Wolfgang H. Sommer
- 0000 0004 0477 2235grid.413757.3Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), J 5, 68159 Mannheim, Germany ,0000 0004 0477 2235grid.413757.3Department of Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), J 5, 68159 Mannheim, Germany
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43
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Pearson C, Duff E. Beyond Brief Intervention: Pharmacologic Management of Alcohol Use Disorder. J Nurse Pract 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nurpra.2019.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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44
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Abstract
Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: Unterschiede in der Therapiezielfindung bei der Behandlung von Alkoholkonsumstörungen, die sich zwischen völliger Abstinenz, vermindertem Konsum (Schadensvermeidung) und „kontrolliertem Konsum“ aufspannen, werden seit vielen Jahren z. T. kontrovers diskutiert. Ziel: Ziel der Stellungnahme der Dachgesellschaft Sucht ist es, vorhandene empirische Erkenntnisse zu diesem Themenbereich zusammenzutragen und daraus Empfehlungen für den praktischen Umgang mit verschiedenen Therapiezielen wie Trinkmengenreduktion oder Abstinenz für die Patienten oder Klienten abzuleiten. An der Erstellung des Positionspapiers haben sich Vertreter verschiedener Fachgesellschaften (DG Suchtmedizin, der DG Suchtforschung und Suchttherapie sowie die Deutsche Gesellschaft für Suchtpsychologie) beteiligt. Eine Reihe von Forschungsdesideraten wird benannt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gallus Bischof
- Universität zu Lübeck, Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie
| | - Nikolaus Lange
- Baden-Württembergischer Landesverband für Prävention und Rehabilitation (bwlv), Renchen
| | | | - Ulrich W. Preuss
- Vitos-Klinikum Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Herborn, Martin-Luther Universität, Halle-Wittenberg, Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie und Psychosomatik
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45
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Chartier M, Tannous S, Benturquia N, Labat L, Reis R, Risède P, Chevillard L, Mégarbane B. Baclofen-Induced Neuro-Respiratory Toxicity in the Rat: Contribution of Tolerance and Characterization of Withdrawal Syndrome. Toxicol Sci 2019; 164:153-165. [PMID: 29945230 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfy073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Baclofen, a γ-amino-butyric acid type-B receptor agonist with exponentially increased use at high-dose to facilitate abstinence in chronic alcoholics, is responsible for increasing poisonings. Tolerance and withdrawal syndromes have been reported during prolonged treatment but their contribution to the variability of baclofen-induced neurotoxicity in overdose is unknown. We studied baclofen-induced effects on rat sedation, temperature, and ventilation and modeled baclofen pharmacokinetics and effect/concentration relationships aiming to investigate the consequences of repeated baclofen pretreatment and to characterize withdrawal syndrome. Baclofen-induced dose-dependent sedation (p <0.01), hypothermia (p <.001) and respiratory depression (p <.01) were altered in repeatedly baclofen-pretreated rats (p <.05). Repeatedly baclofen-pretreated rats did not exhibit respiratory depression following baclofen overdose due to limitations on baclofen-induced increase in inspiratory (p <.01) and expiratory times (p <.01). Only slight hypoxemia without respiratory acidosis was observed. Baclofen discontinuation resulted in hyperlocomotion and non-anxiogenic withdrawal symptoms. Regarding pharmacokinetics, repeated baclofen pretreatment increased the peak concentration (p <.05) and absorption constant rate (p <.05) and reduced the distribution volume (p <.0001) and elimination half-life (p <.05). Analysis of the effect/concentration relationships indicated that plasma baclofen concentration decreases more rapidly than all studied neuro-respiratory effects, in tolerant and non-tolerant rats. Taken together, our findings supported the role of brain distribution in baclofen-induced neurotoxicity expression and its probable involvement in tolerance-related attenuation in addition to physiological adaptations of ventilation. In conclusion, repeated pretreatment attenuates baclofen-attributed neurotoxicity in overdose and results in post-discontinuation withdrawal syndrome. Our findings suggest both pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic mechanisms whose relative contributions to the variability of baclofen-induced neurotoxicity in overdose remain to be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magali Chartier
- Inserm, UMRS-1144, Paris-Descartes University, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Salma Tannous
- Inserm, UMRS-1144, Paris-Descartes University, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Nadia Benturquia
- Inserm, UMRS-1144, Paris-Descartes University, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Laurence Labat
- Inserm, UMRS-1144, Paris-Descartes University, 75006 Paris, France.,Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacochemistry Unit, Cochin Hospital, 75010 Paris, France.,Laboratory of Toxicology, Lariboisière Hospital, 75010 Paris, France
| | - Rafael Reis
- Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacochemistry Unit, Cochin Hospital, 75010 Paris, France
| | - Patricia Risède
- Inserm, UMRS-1144, Paris-Descartes University, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Lucie Chevillard
- Inserm, UMRS-1144, Paris-Descartes University, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Bruno Mégarbane
- Inserm, UMRS-1144, Paris-Descartes University, 75006 Paris, France.,Department of Medical and Toxicological Critical Care, Lariboisière Hospital, 75010 Paris, France
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Cannella N, Ubaldi M, Masi A, Bramucci M, Roberto M, Bifone A, Ciccocioppo R. Building better strategies to develop new medications in Alcohol Use Disorder: Learning from past success and failure to shape a brighter future. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 103:384-398. [PMID: 31112713 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a chronic disease that develops over the years. The complexity of the neurobiological processes contributing to the emergence of AUD and the neuroadaptive changes occurring during disease progression make it difficult to improve treatments. On the other hand, this complexity offers researchers the possibility to explore new targets. Over years of intense research several molecules were tested in AUD; in most cases, despite promising preclinical data, the clinical efficacy appeared insufficient to justify futher development. A prototypical example is that of corticotropin releasing factor type 1 receptor (CRF1R) antagonists that showed significant effectiveness in animal models of AUD but were largely ineffective in humans. The present article attempts to analyze the most recent venues in the development of new medications in AUD with a focus on the most promising drug targets under current exploration. Moreover, we delineate the importance of using a more integrated translational framework approach to correlate preclinical findings and early clinical data to enhance the probability to validate biological targets of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazzareno Cannella
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Massimo Ubaldi
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Alessio Masi
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Massimo Bramucci
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Marisa Roberto
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Neuroscience, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Angelo Bifone
- Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems @UniTn, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Corso Bettini 31, 38068 Rovereto, Italy; Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Science, University of Torino, Italy
| | - Roberto Ciccocioppo
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy.
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47
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Rombouts SA, Baillie A, Haber PS, Morley KC. Clinical Predictors of Response to Baclofen in the Treatment of Alcohol use Disorder: Results from the BacALD Trial. Alcohol Alcohol 2019; 54:272-278. [PMID: 30977770 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agz026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To examine clinical predictors of treatment response to baclofen in patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD). METHODS Data from a randomised controlled trial (RCT) (N = 104), in which AUD patients received placebo or baclofen (30 mg/day or 75 mg/day) for 12 weeks, were analysed to determine predictive effects of the following four clinical characteristics: alcoholic liver disease (ALD), baseline alcohol consumption, craving and anxiety. Treatment outcomes included: (i) time to lapse and (ii) time to relapse. RESULTS For both outcome measures, baclofen, irrespective of dose, was more effective when alcohol consumption was higher at baseline. Relative to placebo, baclofen increased time to first lapse in patients with higher baseline alcohol consumption (HR = 0.459, 95% CI = 0.219-0.962, P < 0.05). Similarly, baclofen increased time to first relapse in patients with higher alcohol consumption at baseline (HR = 0.360, 95% CI = 0.168-0.772, P < 0.05). There were no predictive effects of other baseline characteristics on time to lapse nor time to relapse. Directly comparing high dose of baclofen (75 mg/day) with low dose of baclofen (30 mg/day) revealed no differences with regards to predictors of baclofen response. CONCLUSION Baclofen, relative to placebo, was more effective when alcohol consumption was higher at baseline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan A Rombouts
- Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use, Discipline of Addiction medicine, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew Baillie
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use, Health Sciences, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Paul S Haber
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use, Discipline of Addiction medicine, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Drug Health Services, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, NSW, Australia
| | - Kirsten C Morley
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use, Discipline of Addiction medicine, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
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48
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Geisel O, Hellweg R, Wernecke KD, Wiedemann K, Müller CA. Total and acylated ghrelin plasma levels as potential long-term response markers in alcohol-dependent patients receiving high-dose of the GABA-B receptor agonist baclofen. Psychiatry Res 2019; 272:431-437. [PMID: 30611960 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.12.095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The orexigenic hormone ghrelin is involved in the regulation of food intake and energy balance. Previous findings suggest its involvement in the modulation of mesolimbic reward pathways, thus potentially being relevant in the pathophysiology of substance use disorders such as alcohol dependence. In the present study, we assessed plasma levels of total and acylated ghrelin within the BACLAD trial, where alcohol-dependent patients received individually titrated high-dose baclofen (30-270 mg/d) within a randomized, placebo-controlled design. Plasma levels of total ghrelin and acylated ghrelin were measured at baseline, during treatment with individually titrated high-dose baclofen and after termination of the study medication within a timeframe of up to 20 weeks. Multivariate longitudinal non-parametric analysis revealed that plasma levels of total ghrelin significantly decreased in the group of abstinent patients receiving high-dose baclofen. In addition, plasma levels of total ghrelin correlated negatively with days of abstinence during treatment with high-dose baclofen. Plasma levels of acylated ghrelin increased during the study in the group of relapsed patients under baclofen and placebo treatment. These findings suggest that the long-term response to baclofen treatment in alcohol use disorder (AUD) might be monitored by assessing total and acylated ghrelin plasma levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Geisel
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Psychiatry, Campus Charité Mitte, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Rainer Hellweg
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Psychiatry, Campus Charité Mitte, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Klaus Wiedemann
- Department of Psychiatry, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christian A Müller
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Psychiatry, Campus Charité Mitte, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
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49
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Thibaut F, Chagraoui A, Buckley L, Gressier F, Labad J, Lamy S, Potenza MN, Rondon M, Riecher-Rössler A, Soyka M, Yonkers K, Yonkers K. WFSBP * and IAWMH ** Guidelines for the treatment of alcohol use disorders in pregnant women. World J Biol Psychiatry 2019; 20:17-50. [PMID: 30632868 DOI: 10.1080/15622975.2018.1510185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES These practice guidelines for the treatment of alcohol use disorders during pregnancy were developed by members of the International Task Force of the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry and the International Association for Women's Mental Health. METHODS We performed a systematic review of all available publications and extracted data from national and international guidelines. The Task Force evaluated the data with respect to the strength of evidence for the efficacy and safety of each medication. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION There is no safe level of alcohol use during pregnancy. Abstinence is recommended. Ideally, women should stop alcohol use when pregnancy is planned and, in any case, as soon as pregnancy is known. Detecting patterns of alcohol maternal drinking should be systematically conducted at first antenatal visit and throughout pregnancy. Brief interventions are recommended in the case of low or moderate risk of alcohol use. Low doses of benzodiazepines, for the shortest duration, may be used to prevent alcohol withdrawal symptoms when high and chronic alcohol intake is stopped and hospitalisation is recommended. Due to the low level of evidence and/or to low benefit/risk ratio, pharmacological treatment for maintenance of abstinence should not be used during pregnancy. At birth, foetal alcohol spectrum disorders must be searched for, and alcohol metabolites should be measured in meconium of neonates in any doubt of foetal alcohol exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Thibaut
- a University Hospital Cochin , Faculty of Medicine Paris Descartes, INSERM U 894, Centre Psychiatry and Neurosciences , Paris , France
| | - Abdeslam Chagraoui
- b Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication Laboratory , Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine of Normandy (IRIB), Normandie Univ , UNIROUEN, INSERM, U1239, CHU Rouen , Rouen , France ; Department of Medical Biochemistry , Rouen University Hospital , Rouen , France
| | - Leslie Buckley
- c Addiction Services , University Health Network, University of Toronto , Toronto , Canada
| | - Florence Gressier
- d Department of Psychiatry , INSERM UMR1178 CESP, Univ. Paris-Sud , Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Sud, Hôpital de Bicêtre , Le Kremlin Bicêtre , France
| | - Javier Labad
- e Department of Mental Health , Parc Tauli Hospital Universitari, I3PT ; Department of Psychiatry and Legal Medicine , Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, CIBERSAM, Sabadell , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Sandrine Lamy
- f Department of Addictology , Ramsay- General de Santé, SSR Petit Colmoulins , Harfleur , France
| | - Marc N Potenza
- g Neuroscience and Child Study , Yale University School of Medicine , New Haven , CT , USA
| | - Marta Rondon
- h Instituto Nacional Materno Perinatal , Lima , Peru
| | - Anita Riecher-Rössler
- i Center for Gender Research and Early Detection , University of Basel Psychiatric Hospital , Basel , Switzerland
| | - Michael Soyka
- j University of Munich , Munich, and Medicalpark Chiemseeblick, Bernau , Germany
| | - Kim Yonkers
- k Center for Wellbeing of Women and Mothers, Psychiatry, of Epidemiology (Chronic Diseases) and of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences , Yale University , New Haven , CT , USA
| | - Kim Yonkers
- Center for Wellbeing of Women and Mothers, Psychiatry, of Epidemiology (Chronic Diseases) and of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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50
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Leggio L, Falk DE, Ryan ML, Fertig J, Litten RZ. Medication Development for Alcohol Use Disorder: A Focus on Clinical Studies. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2019; 258:443-462. [PMID: 31628604 DOI: 10.1007/164_2019_295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Compared to other medical disorders, including other brain diseases, the number of medications approved for alcohol use disorder (AUD) is very small. Disulfiram, naltrexone (oral and long-acting), and acamprosate are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat patients with AUD. These medications are also approved in other countries, including in Europe, where the European Medicines Agency (EMA) also approved nalmefene for AUD. Furthermore, baclofen was recently approved for AUD in France. These approved medications have small effect sizes, which are probably the consequence of the fact that they only work for some patients, yet a personalized approach to match the right medication with the right patient is still in its infancy. Therefore, research is needed to expand the armamentarium of medications that clinicians can use to treat their patients, as well as to better develop personalized approaches. This book chapter reviews other medications, beyond those approved by the FDA, that have shown efficacy in clinical trials, as well as medications which are still in the early stages of evaluation in human studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Leggio
- Section on Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research and National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, MD, USA. .,Medication Development Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program , Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
| | - Daniel E Falk
- Division of Medications Development, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Megan L Ryan
- Division of Medications Development, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Joanne Fertig
- Division of Medications Development, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Raye Z Litten
- Division of Medications Development, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, USA
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