A Pilot Study of Oxcarbazepine Versus Acamprosate in Alcohol‐Dependent Patients

Objectives: This pilot study has been designed to collect preliminary data on the use of a new antiepileptic drug in the management of alcoholic patients. Oxcarbazepine (OXC) blocks voltage‐sensitive sodium channels. Its metabolite reduces high‐voltage–activated calcium currents in striatal and cortical neurons, thus reducing glutamatergic transmission at corticostriatal synapses. This reduction is of interest in the treatment of alcohol dependence, as acamprosate (ACP) modulates NMDA receptors, resulting in an inhibition of glutamatergic transmission. Furthermore, OXC has revealed a mood‐stabilizing effect in bipolar affective disorders. We have compared OXC with ACP in relapse prevention in recently withdrawn alcohol‐dependent patients.