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Addiction experts, led by a University of Virginia Health System team, report the results of a clinical trial whereby an effective therapeutic medication, topiramate, not only decreases heavy drinking but also diminishes the physical and psychosocial harm caused by alcohol dependence.

"What we've found is that topiramate treats the alcohol addiction, not just the ‘symptom' of drinking" said lead author Professor Bankole Johnson. The nationwide 14-week trial involved 371 male and female diagnosed alcoholics.

Study results, published in the June 9 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine, indicate that topiramate was more effiective than placebo in decreasing body mass index (BMI) and all liver enzymes including the log plasma γ-glutamyl-transferase ratio, which is the objective marker of heavy drinking.

"Many alcoholics have hypertension, and some receive anti-hypertensive medication, which can complicate their treatment for alcoholism," explains Johnson. "Because topiramate can reduce drinking substantially and decrease blood pressure significantly, this allows one medication to be given instead of several."

By decreasing liver enzymes and cholesterol levels, topiramate also may reduce the risk of fatty liver disease, which leads to cirrhosis - a common consequence to end-stage liver disease leading to death in alcoholics.

Additionally, topiramate significantly contributed to a decline in obsessive thoughts and compulsions about using alcohol. Topiramate also had a greater quality of life improvement than placebo in general activities, leisure activities and household duties, as well as a reduction in sleep disturbances.

‘Improvement of Physical Health and Quality of Life of Alcohol-Dependent Individuals With Topiramate Treatment: US Multisite Randomized Controlled Trial' was published in Archives of Internal Medicine.

Article published on 16/06/2008 by DryOutNow.com

DryOutNow.com provides highly practical help for people with alcohol problems, their friends and relatives. DryOutNow.com also provides free resources for healthcare professionals such as medical information and alcohol treatment guidelines.

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