A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study of naltrexone in outpatients with bipolar disorder and alcohol dependence.
BACKGROUND
Alcohol dependence is extremely common in patients with bipolar disorder and is associated with unfavorable outcomes including treatment nonadherence, violence, increased hospitalization, and decreased quality of life. While naltrexone is a standard treatment for alcohol dependence, no controlled trials have examined its use in patients with co-morbid bipolar disorder and alcohol dependence. In this pilot study, the efficacy of naltrexone in reducing alcohol use and on mood symptoms was assessed in bipolar disorder and alcohol dependence.


METHODS
Fifty adult outpatients with bipolar I or II disorders and current alcohol dependence with active alcohol use were randomized to 12 weeks of naltrexone (50 mg/d) add-on therapy or placebo. Both groups received manual-driven cognitive behavioral therapy designed for patients with bipolar disorder and substance-use disorders. Drinking days and heavy drinking days, alcohol craving, liver enzymes, and manic and depressed mood symptoms were assessed.


RESULTS
The 2 groups were similar in baseline and demographic characteristics. Naltrexone showed trends (p < 0.10) toward a greater decrease in drinking days (binary outcome), alcohol craving, and some liver enzyme levels than placebo. Side effects were similar in the 2 groups. Response to naltrexone was significantly related to medication adherence.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest the potential value and acceptable tolerability of naltrexone for alcohol dependence in bipolar disorder patients. A larger trial is needed to establish efficacy.
Brown
E Sherwood
ES
Department of Psychiatry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA. sherwood.brown@utsouthwestern.edu
Carmody
Thomas J
TJ
Schmitz
Joy M
JM
Caetano
Raul
R
Adinoff
Bryon
B
Swann
Alan C
AC
John Rush
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017831:Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry); D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009271:Naltrexone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012044:Regression Analysis; D016019:Survival Analysis
D009292:Narcotic Antagonists; D009271:Naltrexone