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Related Experiment Videos

Naltrexone utility in depressed alcoholics

I M Salloum1, J R Cornelius, M E Thase

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, PA 15213, USA.

Psychopharmacology Bulletin
|May 2, 1998
PubMed
Summary

This pilot study found that naltrexone significantly reduced alcohol consumption and cravings in patients with comorbid alcohol dependence and major depressive disorder. The medication was well-tolerated, showing a trend toward improved depressive symptoms and functioning.

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Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

  • Comorbid alcohol dependence and major depressive disorder present treatment challenges.
  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may not be sufficient for abstinence in all patients.
  • Investigating adjunctive therapies for this patient population is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate naltrexone's efficacy in reducing alcohol use among patients with comorbid depression and alcohol dependence.
  • To assess the impact of naltrexone on depressive symptoms in this population.
  • To examine naltrexone's tolerability and side effects.

Main Methods:

  • Open-label pilot study design.
  • 14 adult patients with DSM-III-R diagnoses of alcohol dependence and major depressive disorder were enrolled.

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  • Patients received naltrexone (50 mg/day) for 12 weeks with weekly assessments.

    • Main Results:

    • Significant reduction in alcohol consumption observed.
    • Significant decrease in alcohol craving, even with usual triggers.
    • A trend towards improvement in depressive symptoms and overall functioning was noted.
    • Naltrexone was well-tolerated with mild, transient side effects.

    Conclusions:

    • Naltrexone shows utility in decreasing alcohol use and cravings in depressed alcohol-dependent patients.
    • Naltrexone may offer benefits for depressive symptoms and functioning, warranting further investigation.
    • Naltrexone is a potentially valuable and well-tolerated treatment option for this complex patient group.