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Belnap MA, McManus KR, Grodin EN, Ray LA. Endpoints for Pharmacotherapy Trials for Alcohol Use Disorder. Pharmaceut Med 2024; 38:291-302. [PMID: 38967906 PMCID: PMC11272707 DOI: 10.1007/s40290-024-00526-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a debilitating disorder, yet currently approved pharmacotherapies to treat AUD are under-utilized. The three medications approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the indication of AUD are disulfiram, acamprosate, and naltrexone. The current landscape of pharmacotherapies for AUD suggests opportunities for improvement. Clinical trials investigating novel pharmacotherapies for AUD traditionally use abstinence-based drinking outcomes or no heavy drinking days as trial endpoints to determine the efficacy of pharmacotherapies. These outcomes are typically measured through patient self-report endorsements of their drinking. Apart from these traditional outcomes, there have been recent developments in novel endpoints for AUD pharmacotherapies. These novel endpoints include utilizing the World Health Organization (WHO) risk drinking level reductions to promote a harm-reduction endpoint rather than an abstinence-based endpoint. Additionally, in contrast to patient self-report measurements, biological markers of alcohol use may serve as objective endpoints in AUD pharmacotherapy trials. Lastly, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) definition of recovery from AUD and patient-oriented outcomes offer new frameworks to consider endpoints associated with more than alcohol consumption itself, such as the provider-patient experiences with novel pharmacotherapies. These recent developments in new endpoints for AUD pharmacotherapies offer promising future opportunities for pharmacotherapy development, so long as validity and reliability measures are demonstrated for the endpoints. A greater breadth of endpoint utilization may better capture the complexity of AUD symptomatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malia A Belnap
- Neuroscience Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kaitlin R McManus
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Erica N Grodin
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Lara A Ray
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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2
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Donlon J, Kumari P, Varghese SP, Bai M, Florentin OD, Frost ED, Banks J, Vadlapatla N, Kam O, Shad MU, Rahman S, Abulseoud OA, Stone TW, Koola MM. Integrative Pharmacology in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders. J Dual Diagn 2024; 20:132-177. [PMID: 38117676 DOI: 10.1080/15504263.2023.2293854] [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] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
The detrimental physical, mental, and socioeconomic effects of substance use disorders (SUDs) have been apparent to the medical community for decades. However, it has become increasingly urgent in recent years to develop novel pharmacotherapies to treat SUDs. Currently, practitioners typically rely on monotherapy. Monotherapy has been shown to be superior to no treatment at all for most substance classes. However, many randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have revealed that monotherapy leads to poorer outcomes when compared with combination treatment in all specialties of medicine. The results of RCTs suggest that monotherapy frequently fails since multiple dysregulated pathways, enzymes, neurotransmitters, and receptors are involved in the pathophysiology of SUDs. As such, research is urgently needed to determine how various neurobiological mechanisms can be targeted by novel combination treatments to create increasingly specific yet exceedingly comprehensive approaches to SUD treatment. This article aims to review the neurobiology that integrates many pathophysiologic mechanisms and discuss integrative pharmacology developments that may ultimately improve clinical outcomes for patients with SUDs. Many neurobiological mechanisms are known to be involved in SUDs including dopaminergic, nicotinic, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), and kynurenic acid (KYNA) mechanisms. Emerging evidence indicates that KYNA, a tryptophan metabolite, modulates all these major pathophysiologic mechanisms. Therefore, achieving KYNA homeostasis by harmonizing integrative pathophysiology and pharmacology could prove to be a better therapeutic approach for SUDs. We propose KYNA-NMDA-α7nAChRcentric pathophysiology, the "conductor of the orchestra," as a novel approach to treat many SUDs concurrently. KYNA-NMDA-α7nAChR pathophysiology may be the "command center" of neuropsychiatry. To date, extant RCTs have shown equivocal findings across comparison conditions, possibly because investigators targeted single pathophysiologic mechanisms, hit wrong targets in underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms, and tested inadequate monotherapy treatment. We provide examples of potential combination treatments that simultaneously target multiple pathophysiologic mechanisms in addition to KYNA. Kynurenine pathway metabolism demonstrates the greatest potential as a target for neuropsychiatric diseases. The investigational medications with the most evidence include memantine, galantamine, and N-acetylcysteine. Future RCTs are warranted with novel combination treatments for SUDs. Multicenter RCTs with integrative pharmacology offer a promising, potentially fruitful avenue to develop novel therapeutics for the treatment of SUDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Donlon
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, New Jersey, USA
| | - Pooja Kumari
- Community Living Trent Highlands, Peterborough, Canada
| | - Sajoy P Varghese
- Addiction Recovery Treatment Services, Veterans Affairs Northern California Health Care System, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Michael Bai
- Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ori David Florentin
- Department of Psychiatry, Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, New York, USA
| | - Emma D Frost
- Department of Neurology, Cooper University Health Care, Camden, New Jersey, USA
| | - John Banks
- Talkiatry Mental Health Clinic, New York, New York, USA
| | - Niyathi Vadlapatla
- Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, Alexandria, Virginia, USA
| | - Olivia Kam
- Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Mujeeb U Shad
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
| | - Shafiqur Rahman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota, USA
| | - Osama A Abulseoud
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Alix School of Medicine at Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Trevor W Stone
- Nuffield Department of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Maju Mathew Koola
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Cooper University Health Care, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, New Jersey, USA
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Swimmer KR, Sandelich S. Substance Use Disorder. Emerg Med Clin North Am 2024; 42:53-67. [PMID: 37977753 DOI: 10.1016/j.emc.2023.06.023] [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: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Substance use disorders (SUDs) present a challenge in the emergency department (ED) setting. This article provides an overview of SUDs, their clinical assessment, legal considerations in drug testing, diagnosis, and treatment approaches. SUDs are prevalent and coexist with mental health disorders, necessitating comprehensive evaluation and management. Clinical assessment involves screening tools, substance use history, and identification of comorbidities. Diagnosis relies on a thorough evaluation of substance abuse patterns and associated medical conditions. Treatment approaches encompass a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating counseling, medications, and social support. Effective management of SUDs in the ED requires a comprehensive understanding of these complex disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn R Swimmer
- Department of Pediatrics, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Stephen Sandelich
- Department of Pediatrics, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; Emergency Medicine, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
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4
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Spreer M, Grählert X, Klut IM, Al Hamdan F, Sommer WH, Plawecki MH, O'Connor S, Böttcher M, Sauer C, Smolka MN, Zimmermann US. Using naltrexone to validate a human laboratory test system to screen new medications for alcoholism (TESMA)- a randomized clinical trial. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:113. [PMID: 37019884 PMCID: PMC10076427 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02404-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This registered clinical trial sought to validate a laboratory test system devised to screen medications for alcoholism treatment (TESMA) under different contingencies of alcohol reinforcement. Forty-six nondependent, but at least medium-risk drinkers were given the opportunity to earn intravenous infusions of ethanol, or saline, as rewards for work in a progressive-ratio paradigm. Work demand pattern and alcohol exposure dynamics were devised to achieve a gradual shift from low-demand work for alcohol (WFA) permitting quickly increasing breath alcohol concentrations (BrAC) to high-demand WFA, which could only decelerate an inevitable decrease of the previously earned BrAC. Thereby, the reward contingency changed, modeling different drinking motivations. The experiment was repeated after at least 7 days of randomized, double-blinded treatment with naltrexone, escalated to 50 mg/d, or placebo. Subjects treated with naltrexone reduced their cumulative WFA (cWFA) slightly more than participants receiving placebo. This difference was not statistically significant in the preplanned analysis of the entire 150 min of self-administration, i.e., our primary endpoint (p = 0.471, Cohen's d = 0.215). Naltrexone serum levels correlated with change in cWFA (r = -0.53; p = 0.014). Separate exploratory analyses revealed that naltrexone significantly reduced WFA during the first, but not the second half of the experiment (Cohen's d = 0.643 and 0.14, respectively). Phase-dependent associations of WFA with changes in subjective stimulation, wellbeing and desire for alcohol suggested that the predominant reinforcement of WFA was positive during the first phase only, and might have been negative during the second. We conclude that the TESMA is a safe and practical method. It bears the potential to quickly and efficiently screen new drugs for their efficacy to attenuate positively reinforced alcohol consumption. It possibly also provides a condition of negative reinforcement, and for the first time provides experimental evidence suggesting that naltrexone's effect might depend on reward contingency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maik Spreer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus of the Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Xina Grählert
- Coordination Centre for Clinical Trials, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Ina-Maria Klut
- Hospital-Pharmacy, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Feras Al Hamdan
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus of the Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Wolfgang H Sommer
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
- Bethanian Hospital for Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Martin H Plawecki
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Sean O'Connor
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Michael Böttcher
- Department of Toxicology, MVZ Medizinische Labore Dessau Kassel GmbH, Dessau-Rosslau, Germany
| | - Cathrin Sauer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus of the Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Michael N Smolka
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus of the Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Ulrich S Zimmermann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus of the Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Addiction Medicine and Psychotherapy, kbo Isar-Amper-Klinikum Region München, Munich, Germany
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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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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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7
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Waddell JT, Corbin WR, MacKinnon DP, Leeman RF, DeMartini KS, Fucito LM, Kranzler HR, O’Malley SS. Within- and between-person effects of naltrexone on the subjective response to alcohol and craving: A daily diary investigation. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2022; 46:477-491. [PMID: 35076087 PMCID: PMC9679805 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Naltrexone is an effective treatment for heavy drinking among young adults. Laboratory-based studies have shown that naltrexone dampens the subjective response to alcohol and craving. However, few studies have tested naltrexone's dynamic, within-person effects on subjective response and craving among young adults in natural drinking environments. METHODS Using daily diary data from a randomized, placebo-controlled study of naltrexone's efficacy in young adults, we examined the between-person effects of treatment condition (i.e., naltrexone vs. placebo) and medication dosage (i.e., daily, targeted, and daily + targeted) on the subjective response to alcohol and craving on drinking days. Multilevel mediation models predicted subjective response and craving from treatment condition (between-person) and medication dosage (within-person), accounting for drinking levels. All effects were disaggregated within and between persons. RESULTS At the between-person level, naltrexone directly blunted intense subjective effects (i.e., "impaired", "drunk") and indirectly blunted subjective effects through reduced drinking. Naltrexone was not associated with craving. Between-person effects were not significant after alpha correction, but their effect sizes (bs = 0.14 to 0.17) exceeded the smallest effect size of interest. At the within-person level, taking two (vs. 1) pills was associated with heavier drinking, and taking one (vs. 0) pill was associated with lighter drinking, and lighter drinking was associated with a lower subjective response and craving. Treatment condition did not moderate the within-person effects of dosing on outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the direct between-person effect of naltrexone was largest on intense subjective responses, blunting feelings of being "drunk" and "impaired". Future research using momentary (rather than daily) assessments could confirm and extend these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Robert F. Leeman
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry,University of Florida, Department of Health Education and Behavior
| | | | | | - Henry R. Kranzler
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry
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Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a highly prevalent but severely under-treated disorder, with only three widely-approved pharmacotherapies. Given that AUD is a very heterogeneous disorder, it is unlikely that one single medication will be effective for all individuals with an AUD. As such, there is a need to develop new, more effective, and diverse pharmacological treatment options for AUD with the hopes of increasing utilization and improving care. In this qualitative literature review, we discuss the efficacy, mechanism of action, and tolerability of approved, repurposed, and novel pharmacotherapies for the treatment of AUD with a clinical perspective. Pharmacotherapies discussed include: disulfiram, acamprosate, naltrexone, nalmefene, topiramate, gabapentin, varenicline, baclofen, sodium oxybate, aripiprazole, ondansetron, mifepristone, ibudilast, suvorexant, prazosin, doxazosin, N-acetylcysteine, GET73, ASP8062, ABT-436, PF-5190457, and cannabidiol. Overall, many repurposed and novel agents discussed in this review demonstrate clinical effectiveness and promise for the future of AUD treatment. Importantly, these medications also offer potential improvements towards the advancement of precision medicine and personalized treatment for the heterogeneous AUD population. However, there remains a great need to improve access to treatment, increase the menu of approved pharmacological treatments, and de-stigmatize and increase treatment-seeking for AUD.
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Graham DP, Harding MJ, Nielsen DA. Pharmacogenetics of Addiction Therapy. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2547:437-490. [PMID: 36068473 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2573-6_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Drug addiction is a serious relapsing disease that has high costs to society and to the individual addicts. Treatment of these addictions is still in its nascency, with only a few examples of successful therapies. Therapeutic response depends upon genetic, biological, social, and environmental components. A role for genetic makeup in the response to treatment has been shown for several addiction pharmacotherapies with response to treatment based on individual genetic makeup. In this chapter, we will discuss the role of genetics in pharmacotherapies, specifically for cocaine, alcohol, and opioid dependences. The continued elucidation of the role of genetics should aid in the development of new treatments and increase the efficacy of existing treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- David P Graham
- Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and the Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mark J Harding
- Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and the Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - David A Nielsen
- Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and the Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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10
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Timäus C, Meiser M, Wiltfang J, Bandelow B, Wedekind D. Efficacy of naltrexone in borderline personality disorder, a retrospective analysis in inpatients. Hum Psychopharmacol 2021; 36:e2800. [PMID: 34029405 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The endogenous opioid system is assumed to be involved in the pathophysiology of borderline personality disorder (BPD), and opioid antagonists may improve core features of BPD. The aim of this retrospective chart analysis was to evaluate the relative contribution of the opioid antagonist naltrexone and other psychotropic drugs in the improvement of overall symptomatology in BPD. METHODS One hundred sixty-one inpatients with BPD treated between January 2010 and October 2013 were classified as either treatment responders or non-responders. Treatment responders were defined as subjects with significant improvements in four or more symptoms from a defined symptom list. The relative contribution of all psychotropic drugs to improvement of BPD symptomatology was assessed by means of a stepwise logistic regression. RESULTS None of the drugs applied contributed significantly to improvement, with the exception of naltrexone (odds ratio [OR] 43.2, p ≤ 0.0001). Patients treated with naltrexone (N = 55, 34%) recovered significantly more often. Higher doses of naltrexone were more effective (OR 791.8, p ≤ 0.0001) than lower doses (OR 26.6, p ≤ 0.0001); however, even low-dose treatment was better than any other pharmacological treatment. CONCLUSIONS Naltrexone was associated with improvement in BPD in a dose-dependent manner. The present study provides additional evidence that dysregulation of the endogenous opioid system is implicated in the pathophysiology of BPD symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Timäus
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Miriam Meiser
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jens Wiltfang
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany.,Neurosciences and Signaling Group, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Borwin Bandelow
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Dirk Wedekind
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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11
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Pharmacologic and Clinical Considerations of Nalmefene, a Long Duration Opioid Antagonist, in Opioid Overdose. PSYCHIATRY INTERNATIONAL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/psychiatryint2040028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Opioid use disorder is a well-established and growing problem in the United States. It is responsible for both psychosocial and physical damage to the affected individuals with a significant mortality rate. Given both the medical and non-medical consequences of this epidemic, it is important to understand the current treatments and approaches to opioid use disorder and acute opioid overdose. Naloxone is a competitive mu-opioid receptor antagonist that is used for the reversal of opioid intoxication. When given intravenously, naloxone has an onset of action of approximately 2 min with a duration of action of 60–90 min. Related to its empirical dosing and short duration of action, frequent monitoring of the patient is required so that the effects of opioid toxicity, namely respiratory depression, do not return to wreak havoc. Nalmefene is a pure opioid antagonist structurally similar to naltrexone that can serve as an alternative antidote for reversing respiratory depression associated with acute opioid overdose. Nalmefene is also known as 6-methylene naltrexone. Its main features of interest are its prolonged duration of action that surpasses most opioids and its ability to serve as an antidote for acute opioid overdose. This can be pivotal in reducing healthcare costs, increasing patient satisfaction, and redistributing the time that healthcare staff spend monitoring opioid overdose patients given naloxone.
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12
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Ho D, Towns B, Grodin EN, Ray LA. A novel human laboratory model for screening medications for alcohol use disorder. Trials 2020; 21:947. [PMID: 33225963 PMCID: PMC7681966 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-020-04842-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a highly prevalent, chronic relapsing disorder with a high disease burden in the USA. Pharmacotherapy is a promising treatment method for AUD; however, the few FDA-approved medications are only modestly effective. Medications development for AUD is a high priority research area, but the cumbersome drug development process hinders many potential compounds from reaching approval. One area with major opportunities for improvement is the process of screening novel compounds for initial efficacy, also known as early phase 2 trials. Early phase 2 trials incorporate human laboratory paradigms to assess relevant clinical constructs, such as craving and subjective responses to alcohol. However, these controlled paradigms often lack the ecological validity of clinical trials. Therefore, early phase 2 trials can be more efficient and clinically meaningful if they combine the internal validity of experimental laboratory testing with the external validity of clinical trials. To that end, the current study aims to develop and validate a novel early efficacy paradigm, informed by smoking cessation literature, to screen novel medications for AUD. As an established AUD medication, naltrexone will serve as an active control to test both the practice quit attempt model and the efficacy of a promising AUD pharmacotherapy, varenicline. Methods Individuals with current AUD reporting intrinsic motivation to change their drinking will complete a week-long “practice quit attempt” while on study medication. Participants are randomized and blinded to either naltrexone, varenicline, or placebo. During the practice quit attempt, participants will complete daily visits over the phone and fill out online questionnaires regarding their drinking, alcohol craving, and mood. Additionally, participants will undergo two alcohol cue-reactivity sessions. Discussion The successful completion of this study will advance medications development by proposing and validating a novel early efficacy model for screening AUD pharmacotherapies, which in turn can serve as an efficient strategy for making go/no-go decisions as to whether to proceed with clinical trials. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04249882. Registered on 31 January 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Ho
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, 1285 Franz Hall, Box 951563, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1563, USA
| | - Brandon Towns
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, 1285 Franz Hall, Box 951563, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1563, USA
| | - Erica N Grodin
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, 1285 Franz Hall, Box 951563, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1563, USA
| | - Lara A Ray
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, 1285 Franz Hall, Box 951563, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1563, USA. .,Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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13
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Schick MR, Spillane NS, Hostetler KL. A Call to Action: A Systematic Review Examining the Failure to Include Females and Members of Minoritized Racial/Ethnic Groups in Clinical Trials of Pharmacological Treatments for Alcohol Use Disorder. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2020; 44:1933-1951. [DOI: 10.1111/acer.14440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa R. Schick
- From the PATHS Lab Department of Psychology University of Rhode Island Kingston Rhode Island
| | - Nichea S. Spillane
- From the PATHS Lab Department of Psychology University of Rhode Island Kingston Rhode Island
| | - Katherine L. Hostetler
- From the PATHS Lab Department of Psychology University of Rhode Island Kingston Rhode Island
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14
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Anton RF, Latham P, Voronin K, Book S, Hoffman M, Prisciandaro J, Bristol E. Efficacy of Gabapentin for the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder in Patients With Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Intern Med 2020; 180:728-736. [PMID: 32150232 PMCID: PMC7063541 DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2020.0249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Although an estimated 30 million people meet criteria for alcohol use disorder (AUD), few receive appropriate pharmacotherapy. A more personalized, symptom-specific, approach might improve efficacy and acceptance. OBJECTIVE To examine whether gabapentin would be useful in the treatment of AUD, especially in those with the most alcohol withdrawal symptoms. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This double-blind randomized clinical trial conducted between November 2014 and June 2018 evaluated gabapentin vs placebo in community-recruited participants screened and treated in an academic outpatient setting over a 16-week treatment period. A total of 145 treatment-seeking individuals who met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition) criteria for AUD and were not receiving other AUD intervention were screened, and 96 who also met recent alcohol withdrawal criteria were randomized to treatment after 3 abstinent days. Daily drinking was recorded, and percentage of disialo carbohydrate-deficient transferrin in the blood, a heavy drinking marker, was collected at baseline and monthly during treatment. INTERVENTIONS Gabapentin up to 1200 mg/d, orally, vs placebo along with 9 medical management visits (20 minutes each). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The percentage of individuals with no heavy drinking days and those with total abstinence were compared between treatment groups and further evaluated based on prestudy alcohol withdrawal symptoms. RESULTS Of 96 randomized individuals, 90 were evaluable (44 in the gabapentin arm and 46 in the placebo arm), with a mean (SD) age of 49.6 (10.1) years; 69 were men (77%) and 85 were white (94%). The evaluable participants had 83% baseline heavy drinking days (4 or more drinks/day for women, 5 or more for men) and met 4.5 alcohol withdrawal criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition). More gabapentin-treated individuals had no heavy drinking days (12 of 44 participants [27%]) compared with placebo (4 of 46 participants [9%]), a difference of 18.6% (95% CI, 3.1-34.1; P = .02; number needed to treat [NNT], 5.4), and more total abstinence (8 of 44 [18%]) compared with placebo (2 of 46 [4%]), a difference of 13.8% (95% CI, 1.0-26.7; P = .04; NNT, 6.2). The prestudy high-alcohol withdrawal group had positive gabapentin effects on no heavy drinking days (P < .02; NNT, 3.1) and total abstinence (P = .003; NNT, 2.7) compared with placebo, while within the low-alcohol withdrawal group, there were no significant differences. These findings were similar for other drinking variables, where gabapentin was more efficacious than placebo in the high-alcohol withdrawal group only. Gabapentin caused more dizziness, but this did not affect efficacy. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE These data, combined with others, suggest gabapentin might be most efficacious in people with AUD and a history of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Future studies should evaluate sleep changes and mood during early recovery as mediators of gabapentin efficacy. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02349477.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond F Anton
- Addiction Sciences Division, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
| | - Patricia Latham
- Addiction Sciences Division, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
| | - Konstantin Voronin
- Addiction Sciences Division, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
| | - Sarah Book
- Addiction Sciences Division, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
| | - Michaela Hoffman
- Addiction Sciences Division, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
| | - James Prisciandaro
- Addiction Sciences Division, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
| | - Emily Bristol
- Addiction Sciences Division, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
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15
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Butelman ER, Fry RS, Kimani R, Reed B, Kreek MJ. Neuroendocrine effects of naltrexone versus nalmefene in humans. Hum Psychopharmacol 2020; 35:e2726. [PMID: 32050055 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Naltrexone and nalmefene are approved for the treatment of alcohol use disorders, in different countries. Naltrexone is also approved for the treatment for opioid use disorders, most recently in a depot formulation. These compounds target primarily μ(mu)- and κ(kappa)-opioid receptor systems, which are involved in the downstream neurobiological effects of alcohol and in the modulation of neuroendocrine stress systems. The study objective was to compare the neuroendocrine effects of naltrexone and nalmefene on adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, and prolactin, in normal volunteers. METHOD Adult normal volunteers (n = 11 male and n = 9 female) were studied in a stress-minimized inpatient setting on three consecutive days, after intravenous saline, naltrexone HCl (10 mg), or nalmefene HCl (10 mg), in fixed order. ACTH, cortisol, and prolactin were analyzed pre-injection and up to 180 min post-injection. RESULTS Naltrexone and nalmefene caused elevations in ACTH and cortisol compared with saline. Nalmefene had a greater effect on ACTH and cortisol, compared with naltrexone. Both compounds also caused elevations in prolactin in males (females were not examined, due to the influence of menstrual cycle on prolactin). CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that both nalmefene and naltrexone have effects potentially due to κ-partial agonism in humans, as well as antagonist effects at μ-receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo R Butelman
- Laboratory on the Biology of Addictive Diseases, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Rebecca S Fry
- Laboratory on the Biology of Addictive Diseases, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Rachel Kimani
- Laboratory on the Biology of Addictive Diseases, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Brian Reed
- Laboratory on the Biology of Addictive Diseases, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Mary Jeanne Kreek
- Laboratory on the Biology of Addictive Diseases, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
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16
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López-Pelayo H, Zuluaga P, Caballeria E, Van den Brink W, Mann K, Gual A. Safety of nalmefene for the treatment of alcohol use disorder: an update. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2019; 19:9-17. [PMID: 31868031 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2020.1707802] [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: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Reduced drinking has been debated as a treatment goal for heavy drinking alcohol-dependent patients, in whom treatment based on abstinence is not always an option. Nalmefene was the first drug approved by the European Medicines Agency (2013) with the indication of reduced drinking in high drinking risk level alcohol-dependent patients. Six years after its introduction in Europe, data from clinical experience can be compared with those from preclinical studies and pivotal registration studies to evaluate what nalmefene has added to the treatment of AUD.Areas covered: Systematic review of efficacy and safety data of nalmefene use in humans from preclinical, phase III and phase IV studies, including systematic reviews, meta-analyses, cost-effectiveness analyses, and other secondary analyses.Expert opinion: Nalmefene introduces a paradigm change in the treatment of AUD that makes it appealing to patients that are reluctant to embrace abstinence, and facilitate patient-centered care in heavy users. However, information regarding safety data in special populations (e.g., patients with alcohol-related diseases, pregnancy, psychiatric disease), and direct comparisons with other potential drugs for alcohol reduction are further needed. Despite the promising role of nalmefene, there are still some factors that limit its wide prescription further than in specialized settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo López-Pelayo
- Grup Recerca Addiccions Clínic (GRAC-GRE), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paola Zuluaga
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Spain
| | - Elsa Caballeria
- Grup Recerca Addiccions Clínic (GRAC-GRE), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Wim Van den Brink
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Karl Mann
- Central Institute of Mental Health, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Antoni Gual
- Grup Recerca Addiccions Clínic (GRAC-GRE), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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17
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Timäus C, Meiser M, Bandelow B, Engel KR, Paschke AM, Wiltfang J, Wedekind D. Pharmacotherapy of borderline personality disorder: what has changed over two decades? A retrospective evaluation of clinical practice. BMC Psychiatry 2019; 19:393. [PMID: 31830934 PMCID: PMC6909459 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-019-2377-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to assess the pharmacological treatment strategies of inpatients with borderline personality disorder between 2008 and 2012. Additionally, we compared pharmacotherapy during this period to a previous one (1996 to 2004). METHODS Charts of 87 patients with the main diagnosis of borderline personality disorder receiving inpatient treatment in the University Medical Center of Goettingen, Germany, between 2008 and 2012 were evaluated retrospectively. For each inpatient treatment, psychotropic drug therapy including admission and discharge medication was documented. We compared the prescription rates of the interval 2008-2012 with the interval 1996-2004. RESULTS 94% of all inpatients of the interval 2008-2012 were treated with at least one psychotropic drug at time of discharge. All classes of psychotropic drugs were applied. We found high prescription rates of naltrexone (35.6%), quetiapine (19.5%), mirtazapine (18.4%), sertraline (12.6%), and escitalopram (11.5%). Compared to 1996-2004, rates of low-potency antipsychotics, tri-/tetracyclic antidepressants and mood stabilizers significantly decreased while usage of naltrexone significantly increased. CONCLUSIONS In inpatient settings, pharmacotherapy is still highly prevalent in the management of BPD. Prescription strategies changed between 1996 and 2012. Quetiapine was preferred, older antidepressants and low-potency antipsychotics were avoided. Opioid antagonists are increasingly used and should be considered for further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Timäus
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre, University of Goettingen, Von-Siebold-Straße 5, 37075, Goettingen, Germany.
| | - Miriam Meiser
- 0000 0001 2364 4210grid.7450.6Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre, University of Goettingen, Von-Siebold-Straße 5, 37075 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Borwin Bandelow
- 0000 0001 2364 4210grid.7450.6Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre, University of Goettingen, Von-Siebold-Straße 5, 37075 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Kirsten R. Engel
- 0000 0001 2364 4210grid.7450.6Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre, University of Goettingen, Von-Siebold-Straße 5, 37075 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Anne M. Paschke
- 0000 0001 2364 4210grid.7450.6Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre, University of Goettingen, Von-Siebold-Straße 5, 37075 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Jens Wiltfang
- 0000 0001 2364 4210grid.7450.6Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre, University of Goettingen, Von-Siebold-Straße 5, 37075 Goettingen, Germany ,0000 0004 0438 0426grid.424247.3German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Goettingen, Germany ,0000000123236065grid.7311.4Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Medical Science Department, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Dirk Wedekind
- 0000 0001 2364 4210grid.7450.6Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre, University of Goettingen, Von-Siebold-Straße 5, 37075 Goettingen, Germany
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Ray LA, Green R, Roche DJ, Magill M, Bujarski S. Naltrexone effects on subjective responses to alcohol in the human laboratory: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Addict Biol 2019; 24:1138-1152. [PMID: 31148304 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Naltrexone (NTX) has been widely studied for the treatment of alcohol use disorder with overall support for its efficacy. The mechanisms of action of naltrexone are thought to involve attenuation of the hedonic effects of alcohol and potentiation of its aversive effects. In order to provide a quantitative estimate of the effects of naltrexone on subjective response to alcohol, the aims of this meta-analytic review are to examine the effects of naltrexone across four domains of subjective response. Meta-analyses of naltrexone effects on alcohol craving (k = 16, N = 686), stimulation (k = 15, N = 675), sedation (k = 18, N = 777), and negative mood (k = 9, N = 281) suggested that under laboratory conditions and compared with placebo, naltrexone reduces craving (Hedges g = -0.252; SE = 0.054; 95% CI, -0.375 to -0.130; P < 0.01), reduces stimulation (g = -0.223; SE = 0.067; 95% CI, -0.372 to -0.074; P < 0.01), increases sedation (g = 0.251; SE = 0.064; 95% CI, 0.112-0.389; P < 0.01), and increases negative mood (g = 0.227; SE = 0.047; 95% CI, 0.100-0.354; P < 0.01). Results were robust when drinks per month and alcohol dose were added to the models as covariates. The effects of naltrexone varied by severity of alcohol use with medication effects on craving and stimulation being observed in sample of both heavy drinkers and AUD individuals. These results are consistent with the hypothesized mechanisms of action of NTX, although the effects are of small magnitude. This meta-analysis aggregates across multiple human laboratory studies of NTX's effects on subjective response to alcohol, providing a comprehensive summary of a key mechanism of NTX efficacy, namely, alteration of the subjective experience of alcohol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara A. Ray
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of California, Los Angeles Los Angeles CA USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral SciencesUniversity of California, Los Angeles Los Angeles CA USA
| | - ReJoyce Green
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of California, Los Angeles Los Angeles CA USA
| | | | - Molly Magill
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction StudiesBrown University Providence RI USA
| | - Spencer Bujarski
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of California, Los Angeles Los Angeles CA USA
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19
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Foo JC, Vengeliene V, Noori HR, Yamaguchi I, Morita K, Nakamura T, Yamamoto Y, Spanagel R. Drinking Levels and Profiles of Alcohol Addicted Rats Predict Response to Nalmefene. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:471. [PMID: 31133855 PMCID: PMC6513880 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Pharmacotherapeutic options supporting the treatment of alcohol dependence are recommended and available but underutilized, partly due to questions about efficacy. Nalmefene, a μ-opioid receptor antagonist and partial kappa receptor agonist, is recommended for reduction of alcohol consumption, but evidence about its effectiveness has been equivocal; identifying factors which predict response will help optimize treatment. Methods: The alcohol deprivation effect paradigm is a tightly controlled procedure comprising repeated deprivation and reintroduction phases, leading to increased preference for alcohol; reintroduction approximates relapse. Using a digital drinkometer system measuring high-resolution drinking behavior, we examined the effects of nalmefene on relapse drinking behavior in alcohol addicted rats. We also tested whether drinking behavior in the relapse phase prior to nalmefene administration predicted treatment response. We further examined whether longitudinal drinking behavior and locomotor activity predicted treatment response. Results: Our results showed that nalmefene (0.3 mg/kg) reduced relapse-like consumption significantly (∼20%) compared to vehicle on the first 2 days of alcohol reintroduction. Examining the first 6 h of a preceded treatment-free relapse episode revealed drinking patterns clustering the rats into responders (reduction of >40%, n = 17) and non-responders (reduction of <40%, n = 7) to subsequent nalmefene treatment. During the first 6 h of the preceding relapse phase, responders consumed more alcohol than non-responders; the amount of alcohol consumed during each drinking approach was larger but frequency of drinking did not differ. Longitudinal drinking behavior and locomotor activity did not significantly predict response. Conclusion: Our results suggest that nalmefene reduces alcohol intake during a relapse-like situation but effectiveness can differ greatly at the individual level. However, who responds may be informed by examining drinking profiles and rats that show high drinking levels prior to treatment are more likely to respond to nalmefene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerome Clifford Foo
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Valentina Vengeliene
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Hamid Reza Noori
- Neuronal Convergence Group, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ikuhiro Yamaguchi
- Department of Physical and Health Education, Graduate School of Education, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenji Morita
- Department of Physical and Health Education, Graduate School of Education, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toru Nakamura
- Biomedical Engineering and Health Informatics Laboratory, Center for Industry-University Collaboration, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshiharu Yamamoto
- Department of Physical and Health Education, Graduate School of Education, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Rainer Spanagel
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
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20
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Tuchina OD, Agibalova TV, Shustov DI, Shustova SA, Buzik ОG, Petrosyan YE. [The practical use of placebo effect in psychotherapeutic treatment of patients with substance use disorders: therapeutic and ethic consequences]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2018; 116:61-68. [PMID: 28300816 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro201611611261-68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The article discusses therapeutic potential of placebo and nocebo effects in treatment of substance use disorders. The authors review the background of the issue, describe neurobiological and psychological mechanisms of placebo effects and demonstrate their impact on psychotherapy of patients with substance use disorders. Attention is drawn to the clinical and ethical issues of practical use of placebo effects including that in terms of placebo-therapy, indirect suggestion psychotherapy, motivational interventions and cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy, psychotherapy with the use of disulfiram, psychopharmacotherapy with opioid antagonists. The authors conclude that the ethical use of placebo-effects in treatment of substance use disorders may improve its overall efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- O D Tuchina
- Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - T V Agibalova
- Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, Russia; Serbsky Federal Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Narcology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - D I Shustov
- Academician Pavlov Ryazan State Medical University, Ryazan, Russia
| | - S A Shustova
- Academician Pavlov Ryazan State Medical University, Ryazan, Russia
| | - О G Buzik
- Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - Yu E Petrosyan
- Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, Russia
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21
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Ray LA, Bujarski S, Grodin E, Hartwell E, Green R, Venegas A, Lim AC, Gillis A, Miotto K. State-of-the-art behavioral and pharmacological treatments for alcohol use disorder. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2018; 45:124-140. [PMID: 30373394 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2018.1528265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol use disorder (AUD) and its associated consequences remain significant public health concerns. Given that AUD represents a spectrum of severity, treatment options represent a continuum of care, ranging from single-session brief interventions to more intensive, prolonged, and specialized treatment modalities. OBJECTIVE This qualitative literature review seeks to describe the best practices for AUD by placing a particular emphasis on identifying those practices which have received the most empirical support. METHOD This review summarizes psychological and pharmacological intervention options for AUD treatment, with a focus on the relapse prevention phase of recovery. Psychological and pharmacological treatments are summarized in terms of the empirical evidence favoring each approach and the level of AUD severity for which they are most indicated. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE One of the broad assertions from this review is that while AUD is highly prevalent, seeking treatment for AUD is not. There are a myriad of behavioral and pharmacological treatments that have shown compelling evidence of efficacy for the treatment of AUD. In the behavioral treatment literature, cognitive behavioral therapy has received the most consistent support. Opioid antagonism (via naltrexone) has been the most widely studied pharmacotherapy and has produced moderate effect sizes. While none of the treatments reviewed herein represents a so-called silver bullet for AUD, they each have the potential to significantly improve the odds of recovery. Precision medicine, or the identification of best treatment matches for individual patients, looms as an important overarching goal for the field, although specific matches are not yet sufficiently reliable in their empirical evidence to warrant clinical dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara A Ray
- a Department of Psychology , University of California , Los Angeles , CA , USA.,b Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, UCLA School of Medicine University of California , Los Angeles , CA , USA
| | - Spencer Bujarski
- a Department of Psychology , University of California , Los Angeles , CA , USA
| | - Erica Grodin
- a Department of Psychology , University of California , Los Angeles , CA , USA
| | - Emily Hartwell
- a Department of Psychology , University of California , Los Angeles , CA , USA
| | - ReJoyce Green
- a Department of Psychology , University of California , Los Angeles , CA , USA
| | - Alexandra Venegas
- a Department of Psychology , University of California , Los Angeles , CA , USA
| | - Aaron C Lim
- a Department of Psychology , University of California , Los Angeles , CA , USA
| | - Artha Gillis
- b Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, UCLA School of Medicine University of California , Los Angeles , CA , USA
| | - Karen Miotto
- b Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, UCLA School of Medicine University of California , Los Angeles , CA , USA
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22
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Nieto SJ, Quave CB, Kosten TA. Naltrexone alters alcohol self-administration behaviors and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity in a sex-dependent manner in rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2018; 167:50-59. [PMID: 29486222 PMCID: PMC6011835 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2018.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mu-opioid antagonist, naltrexone (NTX), is a FDA-approved treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD); however, the data on whether it differentially affects males vs. females are mixed. NTX increases hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity that associates with subjective responses to alcohol and craving in individuals with AUD. The present study tested for sex differences in the ability of NTX to decrease appetitive and consummatory behaviors in rats in operant alcohol self-administration. Because the opioid system and HPA axis are sexually dimorphic, we examined NTX's effect on adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone (CORT) levels. METHODS Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats (n's = 6-8) were trained to lever press for alcohol (10% v/v) under a fixed-ratio 2 schedule of reinforcement. NTX doses (0, 0.1-10 mg/kg) were assessed in tests conducted under a progressive ratio schedule of reinforcement. Separate groups of alcohol and water drinking rats (n's = 8) were used to assess NTX's (10 mg/kg) effects on HPA axis hormones. RESULTS NTX decreased consummatory behaviors for alcohol in a dose-related manner, but not appetitive behaviors in males. In females, NTX decreased appetitive behaviors for alcohol in a dose-dependent manner, but only decreased consummatory behaviors at the highest (10 mg/kg) NTX dose. NTX increased ACTH levels in alcohol drinking females in diestrus, but not in other groups. However, NTX increased CORT levels for longer durations in alcohol drinking males relative to alcohol drinking females in diestrus. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that NTX selectively reduces consummatory behaviors for alcohol in males and appetitive behaviors in females, while also showing differential sex effects on HPA hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Nieto
- University of Houston, Department of Psychology & Texas Institute for Measurement, Evaluation and Statistics (TIMES), Houston, TX 77204-6022, United States
| | - Cana B Quave
- University of Houston, Department of Psychology & Texas Institute for Measurement, Evaluation and Statistics (TIMES), Houston, TX 77204-6022, United States
| | - Therese A Kosten
- University of Houston, Department of Psychology & Texas Institute for Measurement, Evaluation and Statistics (TIMES), Houston, TX 77204-6022, United States.
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Ray LA, Green R, Roche DJ, Bujarski S, Hartwell EE, Lim AC, Rohrbaugh T, Ghahremani D, Hutchison K, Miotto K. Pharmacogenetic Effects of Naltrexone in Individuals of East Asian Descent: Human Laboratory Findings from a Randomized Trial. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2018; 42:613-623. [PMID: 29265379 PMCID: PMC6086578 DOI: 10.1111/acer.13586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic variation in the endogenous opioid system has been identified as 1 potential source of individual variability in naltrexone treatment outcomes. The majority of naltrexone pharmacogenetic studies have focused on a particular single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the mu-opioid receptor gene (OPRM1; rs1799971; commonly known as the Asn40Asp SNP) in Caucasian samples with decidedly mixed results. The goal of this study was to test the pharmacogenetic effects of naltrexone on subjective response to alcohol and self-administration of alcohol in individuals of East Asian descent. We hypothesized that naltrexone, compared with placebo, would potentiate the aversive and sedative effects of alcohol and reduce alcohol self-administration to a greater extent in Asp40 carriers. METHODS Participants (N = 77; Asn40Asn, n = 29; Asn40Asp, n = 34, and Asp40Asp, n = 14) completed 2 double-blinded and counterbalanced experimental sessions: one after taking naltrexone (50 mg/d) for 5 days and one after taking matched placebo for 5 days. In each experimental session, participants received a priming dose of intravenous alcohol up to the breath alcohol concentration target of 0.06 g/dl which was immediately followed by an alcohol self-administration period (1 hour). RESULTS There were no pharmacogenetic effects observed for alcohol-induced stimulation, sedation, craving for alcohol, or alcohol self-administration in the laboratory. During the self-administration period, Asp40 carriers consumed fewer drinks and had a longer latency to first drink as compared to Asn40 homozygotes. CONCLUSIONS These findings in East Asians add to the mixed literature on naltrexone pharmacogenetics from predominantly Caucasian samples and highlight the complexity of these effects and their overall limited replicability. It is plausible that a consistent pharmacogenetic effect in tightly controlled preclinical and experimental medicine models "fades" in more complex and heterogeneous settings and samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara A. Ray
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - ReJoyce Green
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Daniel J.O. Roche
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Spencer Bujarski
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Emily E. Hartwell
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Aaron C. Lim
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Taylor Rohrbaugh
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Dara Ghahremani
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kent Hutchison
- Department of Psychology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Karen Miotto
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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McCaul ME, Wand GS, Weerts EM, Xu X. A paradigm for examining stress effects on alcohol-motivated behaviors in participants with alcohol use disorder. Addict Biol 2018; 23:836-845. [PMID: 28419649 PMCID: PMC5645206 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Revised: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Although epidemiological research has shown an increase in drinking following stressors and trauma, limited paradigms have been validated to study the relationship between stress and drinking in the human laboratory. The current study developed a progressive ratio (PR) operant procedure to examine the effects of psychosocial stress on alcohol craving and several alcohol-motivated behaviors in persons with alcohol use disorder. Current heavy, nontreatment-seeking drinkers (N = 30) were media-recruited and completed a comprehensive assessment of recent drinking, mood and health. Participants were admitted to the clinical research unit and underwent 4-day, physician-monitored alcohol abstinence. On days 4 and 5, participants underwent the Trier Social Stress Test or a neutral session in random order followed by the alcohol-motivated response (AMR) procedure in which subjects worked for money or alcohol under a PR operant procedure. Subjects received earned money vouchers or alcohol at the conclusion of the session. The Trier Social Stress Test increased alcohol craving and rate of responding and decreased the number of changeovers between alcohol versus money reinforcers on the PR schedule. There was a positive relationship between alcohol craving and drinks earned during the stress session. This novel paradigm provides an experimental platform to examine motivation to drink without confounding by actual alcohol ingestion during the work session, thereby setting the stage for future studies of alcohol interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary E. McCaul
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesThe Johns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Gary S. Wand
- Department of MedicineThe Johns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Elise M. Weerts
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesThe Johns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Xiaoqiang Xu
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesThe Johns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMDUSA
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25
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Litten RZ, Falk DE, Ryan ML, Fertig J, Leggio L. Advances in Pharmacotherapy Development: Human Clinical Studies. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2018; 248:579-613. [PMID: 29294197 DOI: 10.1007/164_2017_79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
For more than 25 years, researchers have made advances in developing medications to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD), highlighted by the US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) approval of disulfiram, naltrexone (oral and long-acting), and acamprosate. These medications are also approved in Europe, where the European Medicines Agency (EMA) recently added a fourth medication, nalmefene, for AUD. Despite these advances, today's medications have a small effect size, showing efficacy for only a limited number of individuals with AUD. However, a host of new medications, which act on variety of pharmacologic targets, are in the pipeline and have been evaluated in numerous human studies. This article reviews the efficacy and safety of medications currently being tested in human trials and looks at ongoing efforts to identify candidate compounds in human studies. As mentioned in the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism's Strategic Plan 2017-2021 ( https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/sites/default/files/StrategicPlan_NIAAA_optimized_2017-2020.pdf ), medications development remains a high priority. By developing more effective and safe medications, and identifying those patients who will benefit the most from these treatments, we can provide clinicians with the tools they need to treat this devastating disorder, providing relief for patients and their families and markedly improving public health and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raye Z Litten
- Division of Medications Development, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, 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
| | - Lorenzo Leggio
- Section of Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and National Institute on Drug Abuse, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Hendershot CS, Wardell JD, Samokhvalov AV, Rehm J. Effects of naltrexone on alcohol self-administration and craving: meta-analysis of human laboratory studies. Addict Biol 2017; 22:1515-1527. [PMID: 27411969 PMCID: PMC6139429 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2016] [Revised: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Randomized clinical trials have established the efficacy of naltrexone for reducing quantity of alcohol consumption and incidence of relapse to heavy drinking. To evaluate putative treatment mechanisms, human laboratory studies have examined naltrexone's effects on alcohol responses and self-administration during short-term medication protocols. Results from these studies are inconsistent and have yet to be examined in aggregate. This meta-analysis aimed to quantify naltrexone's effects on alcohol self-administration and craving in the context of placebo-controlled human laboratory trials. Potential moderators of medication effects were also examined. Meta-analyses of alcohol self-administration (k = 9, N = 490) and craving (k = 16, N = 748) confirmed that, under controlled experimental conditions, naltrexone reduces the quantity of consumption (Hedges' g = -.277, SE = .074, 95 percent CI = -.421, -.133, p < .001) and magnitude of self-reported craving (g = -.286, SE = .066, 95 percent CI = -.416, -.156, p < .001) relative to placebo. Subgroup and moderation analyses found no evidence that effect sizes differed by study population (dependent versus non-dependent drinkers), laboratory paradigm or duration of medication exposure. These results substantiate prior evidence for reductions in event-level craving and consumption as potential treatment mediators, also establishing effect sizes to inform future human laboratory trials. From a clinical perspective, these results may provide additional evidence regarding naltrexone's efficacy in the context of acute or subacute dosing regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian S. Hendershot
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research InstituteCentre for Addiction and Mental HealthCanada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of TorontoCanada
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of TorontoCanada
- Institute for Mental Health Policy ResearchCentre for Addiction and Mental HealthCanada
| | - Jeffrey D. Wardell
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research InstituteCentre for Addiction and Mental HealthCanada
| | - Andriy V. Samokhvalov
- Department of Psychiatry, University of TorontoCanada
- Institute for Mental Health Policy ResearchCentre for Addiction and Mental HealthCanada
- Institute for Medical SciencesUniversity of TorontoCanada
| | - Jürgen Rehm
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research InstituteCentre for Addiction and Mental HealthCanada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of TorontoCanada
- Institute for Mental Health Policy ResearchCentre for Addiction and Mental HealthCanada
- Dalla Lana School of Public HealthUniversity of TorontoCanada
- Technische UniversitätGermany
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Sawicka M, Tracy DK. Naltrexone efficacy in treating alcohol-use disorder in individuals with comorbid psychosis: a systematic review. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2017; 7:211-224. [PMID: 28959434 PMCID: PMC5593217 DOI: 10.1177/2045125317709975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychotic illnesses, such as schizophrenia, are typically enduring and disabling conditions, impacting individual, family, and societal outcomes. Individuals with these face greater vulnerabilities in developing alcohol-use disorder (AUD). Furthermore, the nature of psychoses, often manifesting with paranoia, cognitive impairment, a lack of insight, sub-optimal treatment adherence, and stigma from others, means that they can pose unique treatment challenges when these two conditions comorbidly occur. These challenges mean that the standard literature on the effectiveness of the opioid antagonist naltrexone in AUD does not necessarily translate to this vulnerable population. METHODS Following PRISMA guidelines, we herein systematically reviewed the evidence for naltrexone in individuals with both psychosis and AUD. Overall, there is a paucity of research in this important area, with only nine reports meeting search criteria, only four of which were randomized control trials. Studies compared naltrexone with: placebo, another pharmaceutical agent, or upon changes to baseline drinking behaviour. One study evaluated the long-acting injectable formulation of this drug. RESULTS Most studies, including the methodologically more robust ones, supported naltrexone's effectiveness over placebo in terms of reduction in drinking days and numbers of drinks consumed on such days in this cohort. Work comparing naltrexone to other pharmaceutical interventions showed approximate equivalence with disulfiram, and modest superiority over acamprosate. CONCLUSIONS On this limited evidence base, this review endorses the use of naltrexone as both safe and effective in those with both psychotic illnesses and AUD. Several key issues remain to be elucidated. Critically, study designs meant that they were limited to individuals with good engagement with services, and levels of adherence were attained that are unlikely to be replicated in this cohort in real-world settings. Finally, effects of specific psychosis symptomatology, not least paranoia and insight, upon naltrexone use, and the reverse directional potential of 'double dysphoria' from an opioid antagonist remain largely unexplored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martyna Sawicka
- Cognition, Schizophrenia and Imaging Laboratory, Department of Psychosis Studies, The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Derek K Tracy
- Consultant Psychiatrist, The Memorial Hospital, Woolwich, London SE18 3RG, UK
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Johansen KGV, Tarp S, Astrup A, Lund H, Pagsberg AK, Christensen R. Harms associated with taking nalmefene for substance use and impulse control disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0183821. [PMID: 28850596 PMCID: PMC5574613 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0183821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2016] [Accepted: 08/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Nalmefene is a newly approved drug for alcohol use disorder, but the risk of harms has not been evaluated from empirical trial evidence. Objective To assess the harm of nalmefene administered to individuals diagnosed with substance use or impulse control disorders by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Data sources A search was performed in Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, 2014), MEDLINE via PubMed (1950), EMBASE via Ovid (1974), and Clinicaltrials.gov through December 2014. Study selection This study included only randomised controlled trials with placebo or active controls that administered nalmefene to adult individuals for treating impulse control and/or substance use disorders. Both published and unpublished randomised controlled trials were eligible for inclusion. Data extraction and synthesis Internal validity was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Published information from the trials was supplemented by contact between reviewers and industry sponsor. Data were combined using two meta-approaches in fixed effects models; Peto Odds Ratios and risk differences were reported with 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs). Main outcomes and measures Number of patients with serious adverse events, including specific psychiatric serious adverse events and withdrawals due to adverse events. Results Of 20 potentially relevant studies, 15 randomised controlled trials met the inclusion criteria, and 8 of these provided data enabling the meta-analysis. Overall, serious adverse events did not occur more often in the nalmefene group than in the placebo group (Peto Odds Ratio = 0.97 [95% CI 0.64–1.44]; P = 0.86). Risk of psychiatric serious adverse events was slightly elevated, albeit not at a statistically significant level (Peto Odds Ratio = 1.32 [95% CI 0.62, 2.83]; P = 0.47). Withdrawals due to adverse events were significantly more likely to occur with nalmefene compared to placebo (Peto Odds Ratio = 3.22 [95% CI 2.46–4.22]; P<0.001) Conclusions and relevance The three-fold increased risk of withdrawal from treatment on nalmefene due to adverse events is a matter of safety concern. The nature of these adverse events cannot be elucidated further without access to individual patients data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Glies Vincents Johansen
- Musculoskeletal Statistics Unit, The Parker Institute, Copenhagen University Hospital, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
- * E-mail:
| | - Simon Tarp
- Musculoskeletal Statistics Unit, The Parker Institute, Copenhagen University Hospital, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Arne Astrup
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hans Lund
- Institute of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Centre for Evidence-based Practice, Bergen University College, Bergen, Norway
| | - Anne K. Pagsberg
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Centre, Mental Health Services Capital Region of Denmark & Faculty of Health Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Robin Christensen
- Musculoskeletal Statistics Unit, The Parker Institute, Copenhagen University Hospital, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Westman JG, Bujarski S, Ray LA. Impulsivity Moderates Subjective Responses to Alcohol in Alcohol-Dependent Individuals. Alcohol Alcohol 2017; 52:249-255. [PMID: 28003245 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agw096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Studies of social drinkers indicate that subjective response (SR) to alcohol and impulsivity are risk factors for the development of alcohol use disorder which may be related. It is unclear, however, whether there are significant relationships between SR and impulsivity among individuals with alcohol dependence. Using data from an intravenous (IV) alcohol challenge study, the present study is the first to explore the relationship between impulsivity and SR during alcohol administration among alcohol-dependent individuals. Methods Non-treatment-seeking, alcohol-dependent individuals (N = 42) completed the Delay Discounting Task to measure impulsivity and then completed two counterbalanced, placebo-controlled IV alcohol administration sessions, which included assessments of SR at breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) levels of 0.00, 0.02, 0.04 and 0.06 g/dl. Results Analyses revealed that more impulsive participants experienced higher subjective stimulation and positive mood in response to rising BrACs as compared to less impulsive individuals. More impulsive participants also experienced increased sedation over time regardless of condition (i.e. alcohol vs. saline). Conclusion These findings suggest that among alcohol-dependent individuals, impulsivity is positively associated with the hedonic effects of alcohol as compared to placebo. High impulsivity may characterize a subset of alcohol-dependent individuals who drink to experience the rewarding effects of alcohol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan G Westman
- Department of Psychology, University of California, 1285 Franz Hall, Box 951563, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1563, USA
| | - Spencer Bujarski
- Department of Psychology, University of California, 1285 Franz Hall, Box 951563, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1563, USA
| | - Lara A Ray
- Department of Psychology, University of California, 1285 Franz Hall, Box 951563, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1563, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, 757 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.,Brain Research Institute, University of California, 695 Charles E. Young Dr. S., Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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30
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Alcohol Stimulation and Sedation: a Critical Review of the Biphasic Alcohol Effects Scale. CURRENT ADDICTION REPORTS 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s40429-017-0150-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Yardley MM, Ray LA. Medications development for the treatment of alcohol use disorder: insights into the predictive value of animal and human laboratory models. Addict Biol 2017; 22:581-615. [PMID: 26833803 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Revised: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Development of effective treatments for alcohol use disorder (AUD) represents an important public health goal. This review provides a summary of completed preclinical and clinical studies testing pharmacotherapies for the treatment of AUD. We discuss opportunities for improving the translation from preclinical findings to clinical trial outcomes, focusing on the validity and predictive value of animal and human laboratory models of AUD. Specifically, while preclinical studies of medications development have offered important insights into the neurobiology of the disorder and alcohol's molecular targets, limitations include the lack of standardized methods and streamlined processes whereby animal studies can readily inform human studies. Behavioral pharmacology studies provide a less expensive and valuable opportunity to assess the feasibility of a pharmacotherapy prior to initiating larger scale clinical trials by providing insights into the mechanism of the drug, which can then inform recruitment, analyses, and assessments. Summary tables are provided to illustrate the wide range of preclinical, human laboratory, and clinical studies of medications development for alcoholism. Taken together, this review highlights the challenges associated with animal paradigms, human laboratory studies, and clinical trials with the overarching goal of advancing treatment development and highlighting opportunities to bridge the gap between preclinical and clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan M. Yardley
- Department of Psychology; University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles CA USA
| | - Lara A. Ray
- Department of Psychology; University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles CA USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences; University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles CA USA
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32
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Goh ET, Morgan MY. Review article: pharmacotherapy for alcohol dependence - the why, the what and the wherefore. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2017; 45:865-882. [PMID: 28220511 DOI: 10.1111/apt.13965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2016] [Revised: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The development of alcohol dependence is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. For the majority of affected people the most appropriate goal, in terms of drinking behaviour, is abstinence from alcohol. Psychosocial intervention is the mainstay of the treatment but adjuvant pharmacotherapy is also available and its use recommended. AIM To provide an updated analysis of current and potential pharmacotherapeutic options for the management of alcohol dependence. In addition, factors predictive of therapeutic outcome, including compliance and pharmacogenetics, and the current barriers to treatment, including doctors' unwillingness to prescribe these agents, will be explored. METHODS Relevant papers were selected for review following extensive, language- and date-unrestricted, electronic and manual searches of the literature. RESULTS Acamprosate and naltrexone have a substantial evidence base for overall efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness while the risks associated with the use of disulfiram are well-known and can be minimised with appropriate patient selection and supervision. Acamprosate can be used safely in patients with liver disease and in those with comorbid mental health issues and co-occurring drug-related problems. A number of other agents are being investigated for potential use for this indication including: baclofen, topiramate and metadoxine. CONCLUSION Pharmacotherapy for alcohol dependence has been shown to be moderately efficacious with few safety concerns, but it is substantially underutilised. Concerted efforts must be made to remove the barriers to treatment in order to optimise the management of people with this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- E T Goh
- UCL Institute for Liver & Digestive Health, Division of Medicine, Royal Free Campus, University College London, London, UK
| | - M Y Morgan
- UCL Institute for Liver & Digestive Health, Division of Medicine, Royal Free Campus, University College London, London, UK
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Bujarski S, Ray LA. Experimental psychopathology paradigms for alcohol use disorders: Applications for translational research. Behav Res Ther 2016; 86:11-22. [PMID: 27266992 PMCID: PMC5067182 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2016.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Revised: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
In spite of high prevalence and disease burden, scientific consensus on the etiology and treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) has yet to be reached. The development and utilization of experimental psychopathology paradigms in the human laboratory represents a cornerstone of AUD research. In this review, we describe and critically evaluate the major experimental psychopathology paradigms developed for AUD, with an emphasis on their implications, strengths, weaknesses, and methodological considerations. Specifically we review alcohol administration, self-administration, cue-reactivity, and stress-reactivity paradigms. We also provide an introduction to the application of experimental psychopathology methods to translational research including genetics, neuroimaging, pharmacological and behavioral treatment development, and translational science. Through refining and manipulating key phenotypes of interest, these experimental paradigms have the potential to elucidate AUD etiological factors, improve the efficiency of treatment developments, and refine treatment targets thus advancing precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spencer Bujarski
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, United States.
| | - Lara A Ray
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, United States
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Ray LA, Bujarski S, Roche DJO. Subjective Response to Alcohol as a Research Domain Criterion. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2016; 40:6-17. [PMID: 26727518 DOI: 10.1111/acer.12927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2014] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individual differences in the subjective experience of the pharmacological effects of alcohol have long been implicated in the likelihood that one will drink heavily and develop alcoholism. The theme of this conceptual review and perspective article is to synthesize the literature on subjective responses to alcohol and to set an agenda for the next generation of research in the area. Specifically, we contend that in order for subjective response to alcohol to play a prominent role in alcoholism research, it is critical that it be studied as a multimodal phenotype. METHODS First, we review the human research on subjective response to alcohol measured under controlled laboratory conditions and draw recommendations for the application of these findings to understanding alcoholism neurobiology in humans. Second, we highlight multimodal approaches, including studies of the genetic and neural substrates of individual differences in subjective response to alcohol. Third, we review treatment implications with a focus on subjective response to alcohol as an intervention target. Upon review of the research on subjective response to alcohol across levels of analyses, we provide recommendations for leveraging these phenotypes in a systematic and methodologically rigorous fashion that can address central questions about alcoholism etiology, disease progression, and personalized treatment. DISCUSSION The approach recommended herein is largely consistent with the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) initiative across the National Institute of Mental Health. The defining feature of such domains is that they inform behavior yet be amenable to examination through multiple units of analysis, such as molecular, genetic, circuit-level, and behavioral measurements. To that end, we contend that subjective response to alcohol represents a behaviorally and biologically plausible phenotype upon which to build using the RDoC framework for understanding alcohol use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara A Ray
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Spencer Bujarski
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Daniel J O Roche
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
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Soyka M, Mutschler J. Treatment-refractory substance use disorder: Focus on alcohol, opioids, and cocaine. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2016; 70:148-61. [PMID: 26577297 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2015.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2015] [Revised: 10/23/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Substance use disorders are common, but only a small minority of patients receive adequate treatment. Although psychosocial therapies are effective, relapse is common. This review focusses on novel pharmacological and other treatments for patients with alcohol, opioid, or cocaine use disorders who do not respond to conventional treatments. Disulfiram, acamprosate, and the opioid antagonist naltrexone have been approved for the treatment of alcoholism. A novel, "as needed" approach is the use of the mu-opioid antagonist and partial kappa agonist nalmefene to reduce alcohol consumption. Other novel pharmacological approaches include the GABA-B receptor agonist baclofen, anticonvulsants such as topiramate and gabapentin, the partial nicotine receptor agonist varenicline, and other drugs. For opioid dependence, opioid agonist therapy with methadone or buprenorphine is the first-line treatment option. Other options include oral or depot naltrexone, morphine sulfate, depot or implant formulations, and heroin (diacetylmorphine) in treatment-refractory patients. To date, no pharmacological treatment has been approved for cocaine addiction; however, 3 potential pharmacological treatments are being studied, disulfiram, methylphenidate, and modafinil. Pharmacogenetic approaches may help to optimize treatment response in otherwise treatment-refractory patients and to identify which patients are more likely to respond to treatment, and neuromodulation techniques such as repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation and deep brain stimulation also may play a role in the treatment of substance use disorders. Although no magic bullet is in sight for treatment-refractory patients, some novel medications and brain stimulation techniques have the potential to enrich treatment options at least for some patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Soyka
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig Maximilian University, Nussbaumstrasse 7, 80336 Munich, Germany; Privatklinik Meiringen, Postfach 612, CH-3860 Meiringen, Switzerland.
| | - Jochen Mutschler
- Center for Addictive Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Selnaustrasse 9, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland
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Calleja‐Conde J, Echeverry‐Alzate V, Giné E, Bühler K, Nadal R, Maldonado R, Rodríguez de Fonseca F, Gual A, López‐Moreno JA. Nalmefene is effective at reducing alcohol seeking, treating alcohol-cocaine interactions and reducing alcohol-induced histone deacetylases gene expression in blood. Br J Pharmacol 2016; 173:2490-505. [PMID: 27238566 PMCID: PMC4959953 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Revised: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The opioid antagonist nalmefene (selincro®) was approved for alcohol-related disorders by the European Medicines Agency in 2013. However, there have been no studies regarding the effectiveness of nalmefene when alcohol is used in combination with cocaine. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Using operant alcohol self-administration in Wistar rats and qRT-PCR, we evaluated (i) the dose-response curve for s.c. and p.o. nalmefene; (ii) the effects of nalmefene with increasing concentrations of alcohol; (iii) the efficacy of nalmefene on cocaine-potentiated alcohol responding; and (iv) the gene expression profiles of histone deacetylases (Hdac1-11) in peripheral blood in vivo and in the prefrontal cortex, heart, liver and kidney post mortem. KEY RESULTS S.c. (0.01, 0.05, 0.1 mg·kg(-1) ) and p.o. (10, 20, 40 mg·kg(-1) ) nalmefene dose-dependently reduced alcohol-reinforced responding by up to 50.3%. This effect of nalmefene was not dependent on alcohol concentration (10, 15, 20%). Cocaine potentiated alcohol responding by approximately 40% and nalmefene (0.05 mg·kg(-1) ) reversed this effect of cocaine. Alcohol increased Hdac gene expression in blood and nalmefene prevented the increases in Hdacs 3, 8, 5, 7, 9, 6 and 10. In the other tissues, alcohol and nalmefene either did not alter the gene expression of Hdacs, as in the prefrontal cortex, or a tissue-Hdac-specific effect was observed. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Nalmefene might be effective as a treatment for alcohol-dependent patients who also use cocaine. Also, the expression of Hdacs in peripheral blood might be useful as a biomarker of alcohol use and drug response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Calleja‐Conde
- Department of Psychobiology, School of Psychology, Campus de SomosaguasComplutense University of MadridMadridSpain
| | - Victor Echeverry‐Alzate
- Department of Psychobiology, School of Psychology, Campus de SomosaguasComplutense University of MadridMadridSpain
| | - Elena Giné
- Department of Cellular Biology, School of MedicineComplutense University of MadridMadridSpain
| | - Kora‐Mareen Bühler
- Department of Psychobiology, School of Psychology, Campus de SomosaguasComplutense University of MadridMadridSpain
| | - Roser Nadal
- Psychobiology Unit, School of PsychologyInstitut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Rafael Maldonado
- Laboratori de Neurofarmacologia, Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la SalutUniversitat Pompeu FabraBarcelonaSpain
| | - Fernando Rodríguez de Fonseca
- Department of Psychobiology, School of Psychology, Campus de SomosaguasComplutense University of MadridMadridSpain
- Instituto IBIMA de Málaga, Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud MentalHospital Regional UniversitarioMálagaSpain
| | - Antoni Gual
- Addictions Unit, Department of PsychiatryClinical Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital ClínicBarcelonaSpain
| | - Jose Antonio López‐Moreno
- Department of Psychobiology, School of Psychology, Campus de SomosaguasComplutense University of MadridMadridSpain
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Gaekens T, Guillaume M, Borghys H, De Zwart LL, de Vries R, Embrechts RCA, Vermeulen A, Megens AAHP, Leysen JE, Herdewijn P, Annaert PP, Atack JR. Lipophilic nalmefene prodrugs to achieve a one-month sustained release. J Control Release 2016; 232:196-202. [PMID: 27107723 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2016.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Revised: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Nalmefene is an opioid antagonist which as a once-a-day tablet formulation has recently been approved for reducing ethanol intake in alcoholic subjects. In order to address the compliance issue in this patient population, a number of potential nalmefene prodrugs were synthesized with the aim of providing a formulation that could provide plasma drug concentrations in the region of 0.5-1.0ng/mL for a one-month period when dosed intramuscular to dogs or minipigs. In an initial series of studies, three different lipophilic nalmefene derivatives were evaluated: the palmitate (C16), the octadecyl glutarate diester (C18-C5) and the decyl carbamate (CB10). They were administered intramuscularly to dogs in a sesame oil solution at a dose of 1mg-eq. nalmefene/kg. The decyl carbamate was released relatively quickly from the oil depot and its carbamate bond was too stable to be used as a prodrug. The other two derivatives delivered a fairly constant level of 0.2-0.3ng nalmefene/mL plasma for one month and since there was no significant difference between these two, the less complex palmitate monoester was chosen to demonstrate that dog plasma nalmefene concentrations were dose-dependent at 1, 5 and 20mg-eq. nalmefene/kg. In a second set of experiments, the effect of the chain length of the fatty acid monoester promoieties was examined. The increasingly lipophilic octanoate (C8), decanoate (C10) and dodecanoate (C12) derivatives were evaluated in dogs and in minipigs, at a dose of 5mg-eq. nalmefene/kg and plasma nalmefene concentrations were measured over a four-week period. The pharmacokinetic profiles were very similar in both species with Cmax decreasing and Tmax increasing with increasing fatty acid chain length and the target plasma concentrations (0.5-1.0ng/mL over a month-long period) were achieved with the dodecanoate (C12) prodrug. These data therefore demonstrate that sustained plasma nalmefene concentrations can be achieved in both dog and minipig using nalmefene prodrugs and that the pharmacokinetic profile of nalmefene can be tuned by varying the length of the alkyl group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Gaekens
- API Small Molecule Development, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Turnhoutseweg 30, B-2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Michel Guillaume
- API Small Molecule Development, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Turnhoutseweg 30, B-2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Herman Borghys
- Neuroscience, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Turnhoutseweg 30, B-2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Loeckie L De Zwart
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Turnhoutseweg 30, B-2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Ronald de Vries
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Turnhoutseweg 30, B-2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Roger C A Embrechts
- Drug Product Development, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Turnhoutseweg 30, B-2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - An Vermeulen
- Clinical Pharmacology, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Turnhoutseweg 30, B-2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Anton A H P Megens
- Neuroscience, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Turnhoutseweg 30, B-2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Josée E Leysen
- Neuroscience, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Turnhoutseweg 30, B-2340 Beerse, Belgium; Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET Research, VU University Medical Centre, P.O. Box 7057, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Piet Herdewijn
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Minderbroedersstraat 10, Box 1030, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pieter P Annaert
- Laboratory for Pharmacotechnology and Biopharmacy, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, O&N2, Herestraat 49-Box 921, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - John R Atack
- Neuroscience, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Turnhoutseweg 30, B-2340 Beerse, Belgium.
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Caputo F, Maremmani AGI, Addolorato G, Domenicali M, Zoli G, D'Amore A, Maremmani I, Bernardi M. Sodium oxybate plus nalmefene for the treatment of alcohol use disorder: A case series. J Psychopharmacol 2016; 30:402-9. [PMID: 26860331 DOI: 10.1177/0269881116629126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The treatment of alcohol use disorder still remains a challenge. The efficacy of the combined pharmacological treatment for alcohol use disorder has been widely investigated with controversial results. The aim of our case series was to investigate the effect of nalmefene in patients not responding to sodium oxybate therapy. We describe seven cases of consecutive patients affected by alcohol use disorder, and treated with sodium oxybate (50 mg/kg per day) who did not achieve complete alcohol abstinence after at least one month of pharmacological treatment. Then, in partial- and non-responder patients to sodium oxybate treatment, administration of nalmefene, 18 mg as needed, was commenced. Our data show that, during the first month of the combined treatment of sodium oxybate plus nalmefene, patients were able to achieve alcohol abstinence (two patients), to suppress (five cases) or reduce (two patients) episodes of heavy drinking days, and to suppress the onset of craving for sodium oxybate (one patient). Likely, nalmefene may act in modulating the excessive reward effect of sodium oxybate, which may be responsible for the persistence of alcohol intake and for the onset of craving for sodium oxybate. However, controlled clinical trials to confirm the safety and efficacy of sodium oxybate plus nalmefene in treating alcohol use disorder are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Caputo
- Department of Internal Medicine, SS Annunziata Hospital, Cento, Ferrara, Italy 'G Fontana' Centre for the Study and Multidisciplinary Treatment of Alcohol Addiction, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Angelo G I Maremmani
- Vincent P Dole Dual Diagnosis Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Santa Chiara Hospital, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Addolorato
- Alcohol Use Disorders Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Domenicali
- 'G Fontana' Centre for the Study and Multidisciplinary Treatment of Alcohol Addiction, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zoli
- Department of Internal Medicine, SS Annunziata Hospital, Cento, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Antonio D'Amore
- Centre for The Treatment of Alcoholism, Region of Campania, Aversa, Italy
| | - Icro Maremmani
- Vincent P Dole Dual Diagnosis Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Santa Chiara Hospital, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Mauro Bernardi
- 'G Fontana' Centre for the Study and Multidisciplinary Treatment of Alcohol Addiction, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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King A, Hasin D, O’Connor SJ, McNamara PJ, Cao D. A Prospective 5-Year Re-examination of Alcohol Response in Heavy Drinkers Progressing in Alcohol Use Disorder. Biol Psychiatry 2016; 79:489-98. [PMID: 26117308 PMCID: PMC4644521 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2015.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Revised: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The main neurobiological theories of the development of addiction, including tolerance, sensitization, incentive-sensitization, and allostasis, have not been tested in longitudinal human alcohol response research. To address this issue, we conducted the first controlled prospective investigation of subjective and neuroendocrine responses to alcohol measured over a 5-year interval in at-risk young adult heavy drinkers (HD) and light drinker control subjects. METHODS Participants were 156 individuals, 86 heavy drinkers and 70 light drinkers, undergoing an initial oral alcohol challenge testing (.8 g/kg alcohol vs. placebo) and an identical re-examination testing 5 to 6 years later. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) symptoms and drinking behaviors were assessed in the interim follow-up period. RESULTS At re-examination, HD continued to exhibit higher sensitivity on alcohol's stimulating and rewarding effects with lower sensitivity to sedative effects and cortisol reactivity, relative to light drinkers. In HD with high AUD symptom trajectories over follow-up, heightened alcohol stimulation and reward persisted at re-examination. HD with low AUD symptoms showed reduced alcohol stimulation over time and lower reward throughout compared with the HD with high and intermediate AUD symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Results support the early stage phase of the allostasis model, with persistently heightened reward sensitivity and stimulation in heavy drinkers exhibiting AUD progression in early mid-adulthood. While there are multiple pathways to development of a disorder as complex as AUD, maintenance of alcohol stimulatory and rewarding effects may play an important role in the continuation and progression of alcohol addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea King
- University of Chicago, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience, Chicago IL
| | - Deborah Hasin
- Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, Department of Psychiatry, Mailman School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, New York, NY
| | - Sean J. O’Connor
- Indiana University School of Medicine and Purdue University, Departments of Psychiatry and Biomedical Engineering, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Patrick J. McNamara
- University of Chicago, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience, Chicago IL
| | - Dingcai Cao
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Chicago, IL
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Soyka M. Nalmefene for the treatment of alcohol use disorders: recent data and clinical potential. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2016; 17:619-26. [PMID: 26810044 DOI: 10.1517/14656566.2016.1146689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Few pharmacotherapies are available for alcoholism. Numerous studies indicate the involvement of the opioid-endorphin system in mediating the reinforcing effects of alcohol via dopaminergic neurons. The opioid antagonist naltrexone was found to be effective in alcohol treatment, and the European Medicines Agency has now approved the mu-opioid antagonist und partial kappa agonist nalmefene. AREAS COVERED This article presents background information on the chemistry of nalmefene and pre-clinical and clinical findings. The three relevant Phase III studies, all of which followed a harm-reduction, "as needed" approach and found reduced alcohol consumption with nalmefene 18 (20) mg, are discussed in detail. EXPERT OPINION The integration of the "as needed" approach into conventional psychosocial alcohol therapies may be challenging but offers the opportunity to reach otherwise not treated patients. Nalmefene is the first medication to be approved specifically in this indication and seems to be most suitable for patients with alcohol misuse or a rather low physical dependence on alcohol who do not require immediate detoxification or inpatient treatment. Although a categorical distinction between patients who want to stop heavy drinking or drinking at all over time may be somewhat hypothetical, nalmefene offers new treatment options to patients with alcohol use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Soyka
- a Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy , Ludwig Maximilian University , Munich , Germany.,b Privatklinik Meiringen , Meiringen , Switzerland
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41
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Quednow BB, Herdener M. Human pharmacology for addiction medicine. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2016; 224:227-50. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2015.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Bandelow B, Wedekind D. Possible role of a dysregulation of the endogenous opioid system in antisocial personality disorder. Hum Psychopharmacol 2015; 30:393-415. [PMID: 26250442 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Revised: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Around half the inmates in prison institutions have antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). A recent theory has proposed that a dysfunction of the endogenous opioid system (EOS) underlies the neurobiology of borderline personality disorder (BPD). In the present theoretical paper, based on a comprehensive database and hand search of the relevant literature, this hypothesis is extended to ASPD, which may be the predominant expression of EOS dysfunction in men, while the same pathology underlies BPD in women. According to evidence from human and animal studies, the problematic behaviours of persons with antisocial, callous, or psychopathic traits may be seen as desperate, unconscious attempts to stimulate their deficient EOS, which plays a key role in brain reward circuits. If the needs of this system are not being met, the affected persons experience dysphoric mood, discomfort, or irritability, and strive to increase binding of endogenous opioids to receptors by using the rewarding effects of aggression by exertion of physical or manipulative power on others, by abusing alcohol or substances that have the reward system as target, by creating an "endorphin rush" by self-harm, by increasing the frequency of their sexual contacts, or by impulsive actions and sensation seeking. Symptoms associated with ASPD can be treated with opioid antagonists like naltrexone, naloxone, or nalmefene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Borwin Bandelow
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Göttingen, Germany
| | - Dirk Wedekind
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Göttingen, Germany
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Banerjee TS, Hazra A, Mondal NB, Das S. The quinoline compound, S4 effectively antagonizes alcohol intake in mice: Possible association with the histone H3 modifications. Neurochem Int 2015; 87:117-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2015.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2014] [Revised: 06/07/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Pharmacotherapy for alcohol dependence: A stratified approach. Pharmacol Ther 2015; 153:10-24. [PMID: 25985735 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2015.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Accepted: 05/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol dependence is a common disorder in many societies worldwide, and remains difficult to identify and treat. It is also a risk factor for many secondary non-communicable diseases. Pharmacotherapy is one available treatment option, but appears to be underutilised in practice. Major barriers to use of medications in this area include lack of clinical guidance and questionable efficacy. However, for each medication there appears to be a subpopulation that responds positively, and understanding the moderating factors to treatment efficacy is an important research goal. Thus, this review provides a narrative regarding potential stratification techniques in pharmacological treatment of alcohol dependence, with a specific focus on typologies and pharmacogenetics. In addition, we discuss the basic background of stratified medicine and recent studies on genetic predisposition to alcohol dependence. A growing repository of data exists for both approved and non-approved pharmacotherapies, but failure to replicate findings, inadequate sample sizes, and insufficient funding has resulted in a translational gap. Implementing evidence-based stratified/personalised therapy and identifying new therapeutic agents may lead to improved clinical outcomes and reduced financial burden. Despite some promising findings to date, much work is still required.
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45
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Roche DJ, Ray LA. Subjective response as a consideration in the pharmacogenetics of alcoholism treatment. Pharmacogenomics 2015; 16:721-36. [PMID: 25950242 DOI: 10.2217/pgs.14.143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently available pharmacological treatments for alcoholism have modest efficacy and high individual variability in treatment outcomes, both of which have been partially attributed to genetic factors. One path to reducing the variability and improving the efficacy associated with these pharmacotherapies may be to identify overlapping genetic contributions to individual differences in both subjective responses to alcohol and alcoholism pharmacotherapy outcomes. As acute subjective response to alcohol is highly predictive of future alcohol related problems, identifying such shared genetic mechanisms may inform the development of personalized treatments that can effectively target converging pathophysiological mechanisms that convey risk for alcoholism. The focus of this review is to revisit the association between subjective response to alcohol and the etiology of alcoholism while also describing genetic contributions to this relationship, discuss potential pharmacogenetic approaches to target subjective response to alcohol in order to improve the treatment of alcoholism and examine conceptual and methodological issues associated with these topics, and outline future approaches to overcome these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Jo Roche
- 1Department of Psychology, University of California, 1285 Franz Hall, Box 951563, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1563, USA
| | - Lara A Ray
- 1Department of Psychology, University of California, 1285 Franz Hall, Box 951563, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1563, USA
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46
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Bauer IE, Soares JC, Nielsen DA. The role of opioidergic genes in the treatment outcome of drug addiction pharmacotherapy: A systematic review. Am J Addict 2015; 24:15-23. [DOI: 10.1111/ajad.12172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2014] [Revised: 08/21/2014] [Accepted: 10/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle E. Bauer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science; University of Texas Health Sciences Center; Houston Texas
| | - Jair C. Soares
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science; University of Texas Health Sciences Center; Houston Texas
| | - David A. Nielsen
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; Baylor College of Medicine and the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center; Houston Texas
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47
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Zaburzenia używania alkoholu: Czy nowe kryteria diagnostyczne implikują zmianę strategii terapeutycznych? ALCOHOLISM AND DRUG ADDICTION 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.alkona.2015.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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Soyka M. [Nalmefene: a novel pharmacotherapeutic option for alcoholism]. DER NERVENARZT 2014; 85:578-82. [PMID: 24126432 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-013-3843-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Relapses into alcoholism are becoming more frequent even after long-term psychotherapy and social therapy. Previous evidence-based pharmacotherapy was limited to administration of acamprosate and the opioid antagonist naltrexone. Both forms of therapy have not become well established in Germany. The European Medicine Agency (EMA) has now approved a further opioid antagonist, nalmefene which is an antagonist of the µ-opioid receptor just as naltrexon and is also a partial agonist of kappa receptors. The preclinical and clinical investigations carried out with nalmefene are presented. It seems to be interesting that in the therapy studies relevant to approval, nalmefene was not administered for support of abstinence but as an"as needed"medication for reduction of drink volume.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Soyka
- Privatklinik Meiringen, 3860, Meiringen, Schweiz,
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49
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Miranda R, Ray L, Blanchard A, Reynolds EK, Monti PM, Chun T, Justus A, Swift RM, Tidey J, Gwaltney CJ, Ramirez J. Effects of naltrexone on adolescent alcohol cue reactivity and sensitivity: an initial randomized trial. Addict Biol 2014; 19:941-54. [PMID: 23489253 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Adolescent alcohol use is associated with myriad adverse consequences and contributes to the leading causes of mortality among youth. Despite the magnitude of this public health problem, evidenced-based treatment initiatives for alcohol use disorders in youth remain inadequate. Identifying promising pharmacological approaches may improve treatment options. Naltrexone is an opiate receptor antagonist that is efficacious for reducing drinking in adults by attenuating craving and the rewarding effects of alcohol. Implications of these findings for adolescents are unclear; however, given that randomized trials of naltrexone with youth are non-existent. We conducted a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled cross-over study, comparing naltrexone (50 mg/daily) and placebo in 22 adolescent problem drinkers aged 15-19 years (M = 18.36, standard deviation = 0.95; 12 women). The primary outcome measures were alcohol use, subjective responses to alcohol consumption, and alcohol-cue-elicited craving assessed in the natural environment using ecological momentary assessment methods, and craving and physiological reactivity assessed using standard alcohol cue reactivity procedures. Results showed that naltrexone reduced the likelihood of drinking and heavy drinking (P's ≤ 0.03), blunted craving in the laboratory and in the natural environment (P's ≤ 0.04), and altered subjective responses to alcohol consumption (P's ≤ 0.01). Naltrexone was generally well tolerated by participants. This study provides the first experimentally controlled evidence that naltrexone reduces drinking and craving, and alters subjective responses to alcohol in a sample of adolescent problem drinkers, and suggests larger clinical trials with long-term follow-ups are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lara Ray
- Brown University; Providence RI USA
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50
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Stimulant and motivational effects of alcohol: Lessons from rodent and primate models. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2014; 122:37-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2014.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2013] [Revised: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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