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Alcoholism and depression: a placebo controlled study with viloxazine
A C Altamura1, M C Mauri, T Girardi
1Department of Clinical Psychiatry, University of Milan, Italy.
International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology Research
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Viloxazine effectively treats depression and reduces alcohol abuse in patients with alcohol dependence. This study found viloxazine beneficial for dysthymic patients with alcohol use disorder, with no significant impact on liver function.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Depressive disorders frequently co-occur with alcohol abuse.
- The efficacy of antidepressant drugs in alcoholic patients remains controversial.
- Viloxazine is an antidepressant drug with potential applications in managing comorbid conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antidepressant efficacy of viloxazine in dysthymic patients with alcohol dependence.
- To assess viloxazine's ability to reduce alcohol consumption in this patient group.
- To compare viloxazine's effects against a placebo in a controlled setting.
Main Methods:
- A placebo-controlled study involving 30 dysthymic patients with alcohol dependence.
- Patients received either viloxazine (400 mg daily) or a placebo.
- Assessment of depression and alcohol drinking behavior was conducted.
Main Results:
- Viloxazine treatment significantly alleviated depressive symptoms.
- Viloxazine significantly reduced alcohol abuse in the studied patients.
- Baseline liver dysfunction in patients did not show significant changes during viloxazine treatment.
Conclusions:
- Viloxazine demonstrates efficacy in treating depression among patients with alcohol dependence.
- Viloxazine is effective in reducing alcohol consumption in this population.
- Viloxazine appears to be a safe option regarding liver function in patients with alcohol dependence and comorbid depression.