High-Dose Naltrexone Treatment and Gender in Alcohol Dependence
Gihyun Yoon1, Suck Won Kim, Ismene Leonida Petrakis
1*Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven; and †VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT; and ‡Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis; and §Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN.
Clinical Neuropharmacology
|April 6, 2016
Summary
High-dose naltrexone (150 mg/d) demonstrated similar safety and effectiveness in both men and women with alcohol dependence. This treatment improved drinking outcomes for all participants, suggesting its potential as a viable option for alcohol use disorder.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Alcohol dependence is a significant public health issue.
- Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist used in treating alcohol dependence.
- Optimal dosing and sex-specific effects of high-dose naltrexone require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sex differences in the safety and effectiveness of high-dose naltrexone (150 mg/d) in alcohol-dependent individuals.
- To compare treatment outcomes between men and women receiving high-dose naltrexone.
Main Methods:
- An 8-week outpatient study examined safety and effectiveness of high-dose naltrexone (150 mg/d).
- Participants included men and women diagnosed with alcohol dependence (n=24).
- Evaluated outcomes included dropout rates, adverse effects, tolerability, hepatic function, and drinking patterns.
Main Results:
- High-dose naltrexone (150 mg/d) showed similar dropout rates, adverse effects, tolerability, and hepatic function in both sexes.
- Significant improvements in drinking outcomes were observed in both women and men.
- No statistically significant sex differences were found in safety or effectiveness.
Conclusions:
- High-dose naltrexone (150 mg/d) appears to be safe, well-tolerated, and effective for both men and women with alcohol dependence.
- The findings suggest naltrexone may be a beneficial treatment option regardless of sex.
- Larger, longer-duration trials are necessary to confirm these preliminary findings due to the small sample size.
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