Topiramate Shows Promise in Addiction FightJune 8, 2005
Research Summary
Topiramate, a drug used to treat epilepsy under the brand name Topamax, is being studied as a possible treatment for alcoholism, nicotine addiction, gambling addiction, and even some eating disorders, Newsweek reported in its June 13 issue.Doctors are already prescribing the drug off-label to treat addiction, although topiramate has not been officially been approved by the FDA for this purpose. "My patients tell me that they no longer have the fear that comes with craving," said Fairbanks, Alaska, internist Linda Garcia, who has prescribed the drug to dozens of alcoholics.
The drug seems to reduce craving by inhibiting the release of the pleasure-related neurotransmitter glutamate and promoting the release of the glutamate inhibitor GABA, another neurotransmitter.
Small studies of hard-core drinkers suggest that the drug helps patients stay sober or cut back on their consumption. A larger research project on using topiramate to treat addiction is now under way.
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