Novel strategies to treat alcohol dependence with sodium oxybate according to clinical practice

The treatment of alcohol dependence (AD) with sodium oxybate (SMO) was introduced in Italy and Austria more than 20 years and 15 years ago respectively, and it is now widely employed. In addition to the data obtained from clinical trials, little information is available on specific clinical practices. Thus, the aim of this study was to present and discuss the results of a consensus meeting held after twenty years of using SMO in clinical practice in Italy.

A validated questionnaire study was conducted to investigate the modalities of treatment of AD with SMO currently used in Italy. A group of four referees first drew up the questionnaire which was distributed to fifty experts in the field of alcohol use disorders. The questionnaire consisted of 125 items with five different modalities of response and two or three answer possibilities.

The results of this survey showed a broad consensus on some issues regarding, for example, the duration of treatment, and the dose regimen of the drug; however, some aspects of the treatment of AD with SMO still remain controversial.

This is the first consensus study investigating the use of SMO for the treatment of AD through the opinions gained in over twenty years of clinical practice provided by fifty Italian expert clinicians. A consensus on good practice for the correct administration of SMO has clearly emerged; these opinions, along with those derived from previous clinical investigations, will help physicians to use SMO in a better way. However, some issues remain controversial, and others remain unresolved.