The anticonvulsant zonisamide reduces ethanol self-administration by risky drinkers.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of zonisamide on ethanol self-administration and subjective effects in risky drinkers using a human laboratory paradigm.


METHODS
We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the effects of zonisamide 100 mg on ethanol self-administration and urge to drink in risky drinkers (N = 10) ( [1] ).


RESULTS
During the second hour of a 2-hour self-administration session ethanol consumption was 50% lower in the zonisamide group as compared to the placebo group. Urge to drink was also significantly lower under the zonisamide condition.


CONCLUSIONS
These results indicate that a single dose of zonisamide reduces urge to drink and the quantity of ethanol self-administered by risky drinkers during their second hour of access to alcohol.


CONCLUSIONS
Zonisamide may help individuals drinking at risky levels reduce their intake of alcohol.
Sarid-Segal
Ofra
O
Boston University School of Medicine, Massachusetts, USA.
Knapp
Clifford M
CM
Burch
William
W
Richardson
Mark A
MA
Bahtia
Sean
S
DeQuattro
Kimberly
K
Afshar
Maryam
M
Richambault
Courtney
C
Sickels
Laurie
L
Devine
Eric
E
Ciraulo
Domenic A
DA
D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D000431:Ethanol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007555:Isoxazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012646:Self Administration; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D000078305:Zonisamide
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D007555:Isoxazoles; D000431:Ethanol; D000078305:Zonisamide