Topiramate for Treating Alcohol Dependence.

This article presents the results of a clinical trial on the use of topiramate for treating alcoholism. Previous studies have shown that topiramate can decrease alcohol reinforcement by reducing corticomesolimbic dopamine release through at least two processes. This study sought to find out if the drug is a safe and effective drug for the treatment of alcohol dependence. The main outcome measures were reports of heavy drinking days and alcohol content of the blood. The study found that topiramate was more effective than placebo at reducing the number of heavy drinking days. Reported side effects of the medication included paresthesia, taste perversion, anorexia and difficulty with concentration. The authors find that topiramate is a promising treatment for alcoholism.