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
Current Pharmaceutical Design
Title: Medications Acting on the Dopaminergic System in the Treatment of Alcoholic Patients
Volume: 16 Issue: 19
Author(s): Robert Swift
Affiliation:
Keywords: Dopamine, alcohol, pharmacotherapy, ventral tegmental area, nucleus accumbens
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.
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Cite this article as:
Swift Robert, Medications Acting on the Dopaminergic System in the Treatment of Alcoholic Patients, Current Pharmaceutical Design 2010; 16 (19) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138161210791516323
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138161210791516323 |
Print ISSN 1381-6128 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1873-4286 |
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