Alcohol and Alcoholism, Vol 34, 15-24, Copyright © 1999 by Medical Council on Alcoholism
F Poldrugo and G Addolorato
Since its discovery nearly 40 years ago,
ARTICLES
Review. The role of {gamma}-hydroxybutyric acid in the treatment of alcoholism: from animal to clinical studies
Alcohol and Related Addictions Research Group, Department of Psychiatry, University of Trieste, via P. De Ralli 5, 34126 Trieste, Italy; Institute of Internal Medicine, Catholic University, largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy; Corresponding author
-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) has attracted several
waves of scientific interest due to new developments in the knowledge of
its mechanisms of action and ideas for its potential use in clinical
practice. Its effects have been claimed to treat different psychiatric
conditions, but over time its use has become limited to a few specific
situations (e.g. sedating patients in non-painful surgical procedures and
narcolepsy). New interest in the drug derives from its potential use in the
treatment of alcoholism. Recent studies demonstrated a marked effect of the
substance in suppressing ethanol (ETOH) withdrawal symptoms and in reducing
craving for alcohol, compared to other available drugs. However, GHB has to
be given under very careful supervision because of its side-effects,
including the risk of abuse and dependence and possible interference with
the metabolic pathways of endogenous GHB and ETOH. This short review
discusses these and related issues and we hope that it will stimulate
further interest in GHB.
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