Naltrexone and its Effects on Craving and Alcohol Use among Patients with Alcohol Dependence Syndroms: A Report

Background: Naltrexone is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved anti-craving agent for the long-term treatment of alcohol dependence syndrome (ADS). However, it may not be equally effective in all patients. This study aims to assess naltrexone treatment response over four weeks in a national-level tertiary care setting.Methods: Male patients with ADS (n=۱۰۰) who were initiated on naltrexone were included in the study. The clinical data, including the drinking pattern and craving, were recorded at baseline. At the end of the one-month follow-up, the drinking status and compliance with naltrexone were recorded. Findings: At the end of one month, more than half of the patients (n=۵۳) were retained in the study. All the treatment-retained patients (n=۵۳) reported naltrexone consumption for more than ۲۴ days in the last month. Those who retained in the study reported significantly less craving among ۷۲% of patients, while an almost ۵۰% reduction in alcohol use was observed.Conclusion: This study adds to the evidence of outcomes with naltrexone in terms of reduced craving and alcohol use.

Keywords:

Alcohol dependence syndrome , Naltrexone , craving , alcohol use , Follow-up