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Gamma‐Hydroxybutyric Acid in the Treatment of Alcohol Dependence: A Double‐Blind Study
Author(s) -
Gallimberti Luigi,
Ferri Mila,
Ferrara Santo Davide,
Fadda Fabio,
Gessa Gian Luigi
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
alcoholism: clinical and experimental research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.267
H-Index - 153
eISSN - 1530-0277
pISSN - 0145-6008
DOI - 10.1111/j.1530-0277.1992.tb00658.x
Subject(s) - placebo , alcohol , abstinence , craving , medicine , alcohol consumption , placebo group , alcohol dependence , anesthesia , gastroenterology , psychiatry , chemistry , addiction , biochemistry , alternative medicine , pathology
The effect of gamma‐hydroxybutyric acid on alcohol consumption and alcohol craving in alcoholics was investigated in a randomized double‐blind study versus placebo. Patients were treated as outpatients during a three month period either with gamma‐hydroxybutyric acid (50 mg/kg/day, divided into three daily doses) or with placebo. Of the 82 alcoholics that entered the study, 71 completed it, 36 in the gamma‐hydroxybutyric acid and 35 in the placebo group. Alcohol consumption was assessed by the subject's self report. At the 3rd month of treatment, 11 patients in the gamma‐hydroxybutyric acid group referred to be abstinent and 15 referred controlled drinking; while in the placebo group only two and six patients referred abstinence and controlled drinking, respectively. Serum‐gammaglutamyl‐transferase activity correlated with the admitted alcohol consumption. Gamma‐hydroxybutyric acid treatment decreased alcohol craving during the 3 months of treatment. Transient side effects were noted by six patients on gamma‐hydroxybutyric acid and two on placebo. The results suggest that gamma‐hydroxybutyric acid may be useful in the treatment of alcohol dependence.