Advances in therapy
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Advances in therapy · Jun 2008
Clinical TrialEfficacy and safety of pregabalin in alcohol dependence.
Pregabalin is a new anxiolytic that selectively binds to the alpha2-delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels, inhibiting release of excessive levels of excitatory neurotransmitters. In this open-label trial we aimed to investigate the efficacy of pregabalin on alcoholism indices in detoxified alcohol-dependent subjects. Reduction of cravings, psychiatric symptom improvements, and the evaluation of safety parameters were the secondary endpoints. ⋯ Pregabalin shows promise as a treatment for alcohol dependence. Although limited by a low number of participants and by the open design, this is the first study concerning the efficacy and safety of pregabalin in current alcoholics. In these patients pregabalin was effective and well tolerated. Additional research is needed to explore the clinical relevance of these findings.