title: gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid in the treatment of alcohol dependence: a double-blind study.
abstract: The effect of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid on alcohol consumption and alcohol craving in alcoholics was investigated in a randomized double-blind study versus placebo. Patients were treated as outpatients during a three month period either with gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (50 mg/kg/day, divided into three daily doses) or with placebo. Of the 82 alcoholics that entered the study, 71 completed it, 36 in the gamma-hydroxybutyric acid and 35 in the placebo group. Alcohol consumption was assessed by the subject's self report. At the 3rd month of treatment, 11 patients in the gamma-hydroxybutyric acid group referred to be abstinent and 15 referred controlled drinking; while in the placebo group only two and six patients referred abstinence and controlled drinking, respectively. Serum-gammaglutamyl-transferase activity correlated with the admitted alcohol consumption. Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid treatment decreased alcohol craving during the 3 months of treatment. Transient side effects were noted by six patients on gamma-hydroxybutyric acid and two on placebo. The results suggest that gamma-hydroxybutyric acid may be useful in the treatment of alcohol dependence.
authors.affiliation: Addiction Medicine Unit, USSL 21, Padova, Italy.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gallimberti
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ferri
authors.forename: S D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Ferrara
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Fadda
authors.forename: G L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Gessa
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D008297:Male; D012978:Sodium Oxybate / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis
chemical_list: D012978:Sodium Oxybate