The effects of levetiracetam on alcohol consumption in alcohol-dependent subjects: an open label study

Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse. 2008;34(4):441-7. doi: 10.1080/00952990802082180.

Abstract

The aim of this open-label pilot study was to assess the efficacy and safety of the novel anticonvulsant agent, levetiracetam, for the treatment of alcohol dependence. A maximal dose of 2000 mg was administered daily for 10 weeks to alcohol dependent subjects (n = 20). Mean reported ethanol intake declined significantly from 5.3 to 1.7 standard drinks per day. Levetiracetam was well tolerated by most subjects.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alcoholism / drug therapy*
  • Alcoholism / prevention & control
  • Anticonvulsants / pharmacology
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use*
  • Brain / drug effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Levetiracetam
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Piracetam / analogs & derivatives*
  • Piracetam / pharmacology
  • Piracetam / therapeutic use
  • Receptors, AMPA / drug effects
  • Receptors, GABA-A / drug effects
  • Receptors, Glycine / drug effects

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Receptors, AMPA
  • Receptors, GABA-A
  • Receptors, Glycine
  • Levetiracetam
  • Piracetam