According to the World Health Organisation having more than six standard drinks a day for men and more than four for women is considered as harmful drinking. With the threat of alcoholism in society growing each day, is there any medical treatment that can help to cut down on alcohol dependence? Apparently yes. Depending on which side of the world you’re in, there are several prescription drugs aimed at reducing your alcohol dependence. We look at a few of these.
1. Nalmefene
Nalmefene (trade name Selincro), originally known as nalmetrene, is an opioid receptor antagonist developed in the early 1970s, used primarily in the management of alcohol dependence. It has also been investigated for the treatment of other addictions such as pathological gambling and addiction to shopping.
It is taken as a tablet once a day on an as-needed basis and reduces the urge to drink and is licensed for use alongside psychosocial support to help people reduce their alcohol consumption and give them the encouragement they need to continue with their treatment.
2. Acamprosate
Acamprosate, also known as N-acetyl homotaurine and by the brand name Campral, is a drug used for treating alcohol and benzodiazepine dependence. It is thought to stabilize the chemical balance in the brain that would otherwise be disrupted by alcohol withdrawal or benzodiazepine withdrawal.
Reports indicate that acamprosate works (clarification needed) only with a combination of attending support groups and abstinence from alcohol. Certain serious side effects include diarrhea, allergic reactions, irregular heartbeats, and low or high blood pressure, while less serious side effects include headaches, insomnia, and impotence.
Acamprosate should not be taken by people with kidney problems or allergies to the drug.
3. Naltrexone
Naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist used primarily in the management of alcohol dependence and opioid dependence. It is marketed in generic form as its hydrochloride salt, naltrexone hydrochloride, and marketed under the trade names Revia and Depade. In some countries including the United States, a once-monthly extended-release injectable formulation is marketed under the trade name Vivitrol.
The standard regimen is one 50 mg tablet per day.
4. Disulfiram
Disulfiram (sold under the trade names Antabuse and Antabus) is a drug discovered in the 1920s[1] and used to support the treatment of chronic alcoholism by producing an acute sensitivity to alcohol. It blocks the processing of alcohol in the body by inhibiting acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, thus causing an unpleasant reaction when alcohol is consumed. Disulfiram should be used in conjunction with counseling and support.
Disulfiram should not be taken if alcohol has been consumed in the last 12 hours.
5. Baclofen
Baclofen (brand names Kemstro, Lioresal, Liofen, Gablofen, Lyflex, Beklo and Baclosan) is a derivative of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). It is primarily used to treat spasticity and is in the early research stages for use for the treatment of alcoholism.