title: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of quetiapine in patients with bipolar disorder, mixed or depressed phase, and alcohol dependence.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Alcohol dependence is common in bipolar disorder (BPD) and associated with treatment nonadherence, violence, and hospitalization. Quetiapine is a standard treatment for BPD. We previously reported improvement in depressive symptoms, but not alcohol use, with quetiapine in BPD and alcohol dependence. However, mean alcohol use was low and a larger effect size on alcohol-related measures was observed in those with higher levels of alcohol consumption. In this study, efficacy of quetiapine in patients with BPD and alcohol dependence was examined in patients with higher mean baseline alcohol use than in the prior study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ninety outpatients with bipolar I or II disorders, depressed or mixed mood state, and current alcohol dependence were randomized to 12 weeks of sustained release quetiapine (to 600 mg/d) add-on therapy or placebo. Drinking was quantified using the Timeline Follow Back method. Additional assessment tools included the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology-Self-Report, Young Mania Rating Scale, Penn Alcohol Craving Scale, liver enzymes, and side effects. Alcohol use and mood were analyzed using a declining-effects random-regression model.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Baseline and demographic characteristics in the 2 groups were similar. No significant between-group differences were observed on the primary outcome measure of drinks per day or other alcohol-related or mood measures (p > 0.05). Overall side effect burden, glucose, and cholesterol were similar in the 2 groups. However, a significant weight increase was observed with quetiapine at week 6 (+2.9 lbs [SE 1.4] quetiapine vs. -2.0 lbs [SE 1.4], p = 0.03), but not at week 12. Scores on the Barnes Akathisia Scale increased significantly more (p = 0.04) with quetiapine (+0.40 [SE 0.3]) than placebo (-0.52 [SE 0.3]) at week 6 but not week 12. Retention (survival) in the study was similar in the groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings suggest that quetiapine does not reduce alcohol consumption in patients with BPD and alcohol dependence.
authors: Department of Psychiatry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.
authors: E Sherwood
authors: ES
authors: Brown
authors: Domingo
authors: D
authors: Davila
authors: Alyson
authors: A
authors: Nakamura
authors: Thomas J
authors: TJ
authors: Carmody
authors: A John
authors: AJ
authors: Rush
authors: Alexander
authors: A
authors: Lo
authors: Traci
authors: T
authors: Holmes
authors: Bryon
authors: B
authors: Adinoff
authors: Raul
authors: R
authors: Caetano
authors: Alan C
authors: AC
authors: Swann
authors: Prabha
authors: P
authors: Sunderajan
authors: Mary E
authors: ME
authors: Bret
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D066249:Craving / Q000187:drug effects; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017831:Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry); D003987:Dibenzothiazepines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D000069348:Quetiapine Fumarate; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D003987:Dibenzothiazepines; D000069348:Quetiapine Fumarate
keywords: Alcohol Dependence; Bipolar Disorder; Depression; Mania; Quetiapine