Posted by lars1 on December 21, 2004, at 5:04:02
In reply to Other new meds for alcohol cravings, posted by mikialzed on December 7, 2004, at 10:43:02
> Does anyone know if there are any new medications for alcoholism besides naltrexone / ReViaź).
Acamprosate (Campral) has been shown to be effective for this. It has been approved in the U.S. and, according to a July 2004 press release, should be available "around the end of the year."
Benzodiazepines are sometimes used for acute withdrawal. They protect against the neurological damage that can otherwise occur when drinking is abruptly stopped. (Basically what happens is this: Alcohol is a CNS depressant. With heavy drinking, the brain compensates by boosting neural activity levels. After drinking is stopped, the boost continues for a while. Neurons get overexcited and fry themselves. Benzodiazepines prevent the overexcitation and are then gradually withdrawn, giving the brain time to adapt.)
Lars
poster:lars1
thread:425696
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041217/msgs/432355.html