Drugs for alcohol dependence

• Autores: Julia Sinclair
• Localización: Medicine, ISSN-e 1357-3039, Vol. 44, Nº. 12, 2016, págs. 761-763
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • There is good evidence for the use of pharmacological treatments to improve outcomes in patients with alcohol use disorders (AUD). The management of acute withdrawal should include a high risk of suspicion for Wernicke–Korsakoff Syndrome, necessitating treatment with parenteral high-potency B vitamins (Pabrinex®). Benzodiazepines in reducing doses should be used in conjunction with a continuing treatment plan after detoxification (detox). The relapse prevention medications acamprosate and naltrexone should be considered in all patients with moderate to severe alcohol dependence wishing to maintain abstinence. Disulfiram can be considered as a second-line treatment, but should be initiated by a specialist. Nalmefene has been shown to be effective in patients with mild dependence wishing to reduce their alcohol consumption. Baclofen has a temporary indication in France, and may have a role in patients with co-morbid liver disease and anxiety, but its efficacy remains unproven.