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Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Murine Drinking Models in the Development of Pharmacotherapies for Alcoholism: Drinking in the Dark and Two-bottle Choice
Published on: January 7, 2019
[The pharmacologic treatment of the alcohol dependence]
Luís André Castro1, Danilo Antonio Baltieri
1Unidade de Pesquisa Clínica, Unidade de Pesquisa em Alcool e Drogas, Departamento de Psiquiatria, EMP-UNIFESP, Brazil. castro@psiquiatria.epm.br
Abstract:
The pharmacological intervention can play a crucial role in the reduction of craving and drinking and the maintenance of abstinence. This article reviews pharmacotherapy for alcohol dependence with an emphasis on the naltrexone, dissulfiram and acamprosate. The opioid antagonist naltrexone lowers relapse rate, reduces drinking days and prolongs periods of abstinence. Acamprosate restores the normal activity of glutamate and GABA systems. Disulfiram has been shown to be most effective for patients who believe in its efficacy and remain compliant with the treatment. Ondansetron, has shown promise in the early-onset alcohol dependence but needs more extensive study. Topiramate (up to 300 mg per day) was more efficacious than placebo in the treatment of alcohol dependence.
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