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Current Pharmaceutical Design

Editor-in-Chief

ISSN (Print): 1381-6128
ISSN (Online): 1873-4286

Medications Acting on the Dopaminergic System in the Treatment of Alcoholic Patients

Author(s): Robert Swift

Volume 16, Issue 19, 2010

Page: [2136 - 2140] Pages: 5

DOI: 10.2174/138161210791516323

Price: $65

Abstract

An extensive literature supports the role of dopamine in the development and maintenance of alcohol dependence. Yet the organization of brain dopamine is complex, with multiple dopamine receptor subtypes and distinct effects on reinforcement, craving, motivation and behavior. Several modestly effective pharmacological treatments for alcoholism, including naltrexone, baclofen and ondansetron, affect dopaminergic systems indirectly. Direct dopamine antagonists, including tiapride, quetiapine, ondansetron and clozapine have been shown to be somewhat effective in reducing alcohol consumption in controlled clinical trials. The partial dopamine agonist, aripiprazole has shown mixed efficacy. Dopaminergic medications can have significant side effects. A better understanding of how dopamine affects the various aspects of addictive behavior may lead to more effective medications.

Keywords: Dopamine, alcohol, pharmacotherapy, ventral tegmental area, nucleus accumbens


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