The efficacy of topiramate in alcohol dependence therapy – current research and prospects of use

Alcohol dependence (AD) is a chronic and recurrent disease that is a major social and clinical problem. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a few drugs for AD treatment like disulfiram, naltrexone and acamprosate. Their efficacy is limited and depends on many additional factors. Also therefore, new methods of therapy are still being sought. Currently, research is focused on a new generation of antiepileptic drugs that could improve the efficiency of AD treatment thanks to their multidirectional mechanism of action associated with neurotransmission systems involved in the pathogenesis of addiction. Topiramate is the most widely studied drug in this area. The results of preclinical studies showed that the drug reduces the intake of ethanol and alleviates symptoms of withdrawal syndrome in animals. The results of clinical observations in patients with AD confirmed the efficacy of topiramate in reducing alcohol consumption and number of heavy drinking days and prolonging the abstinence period. In comparative studies with naltrexone, topiramate to a greater extent reduced craving. Despite these promising results, there is still a need for further research on the influence of the drug on the development and course of alcohol dependence.