Abstract
There is an increasing interest in studying the role of GABAergic medications in the treatment of alcohol dependence. The GABAergic drug gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) has been investigated in Europe as a possible treatment for alcohol dependence. In some European Countries, GHB has been approved as a treatment for alcohol dependence. However, this drug has also shown addictive properties, therefore raising questions about its safety in treating alcohol-dependent subjects. More recent research is focusing on the possibility of identifying alcohol-dependent subtypes without risk of developing GHB abuse. Finally, GHB and naltrexone combined together represent a possible approach deserving future investigations.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 675-686 |
| Number of pages | 12 |
| Journal | Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs |
| Volume | 18 |
| Issue number | 5 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - May 2009 |
Keywords
- Alcohol craving
- Alcohol dependence
- Alcohol withdrawal syndrome
- GHB
- GHB abuse and dependence
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacology (medical)
Fingerprint Dive into the research topics of 'The therapeutic potential of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid for alcohol dependence: Balancing the risks and benefits. A focus on clinical data'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.
Cite this
Addolorato, G., Leggio, L., Ferrulli, A., Caputo, F., & Gasbarrini, A. (2009). The therapeutic potential of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid for alcohol dependence: Balancing the risks and benefits. A focus on clinical data. Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs, 18(5), 675-686. https://doi.org/10.1517/13543780902905855