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Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid (GHB) for the Treatment of Alcohol Dependence: A Review

Author

Listed:
  • Fabio Caputo

    (Department of Internal Medicine, SS Annunziata Hospital, Cento (Ferrara), Italy)

  • Teo Vignoli

    (-“G. Fontana” Centre for the Study and Multidisciplinary Treatment of Alcohol Addiction, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bologna, Italy)

  • Icro Maremmani

    (Vincent P. Dole Dual Diagnosis Unit, Santa Chiara University Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, NPB, University of Pisa, Italy)

  • Mauro Bernardi

    (-“G. Fontana” Centre for the Study and Multidisciplinary Treatment of Alcohol Addiction, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bologna, Italy)

  • Giorgio Zoli

    (Department of Internal Medicine, SS Annunziata Hospital, Cento (Ferrara), Italy)

Abstract

Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) is a short-chain fatty acid structurally similar to the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid. Clinical trials have demonstrated that 50-100 mg/kg of GHB fractioned into three or six daily doses is able to suppress alcohol withdrawal symptoms and facilitates the maintenance of abstinence from alcohol. These studies have also shown that GHB craving episodes are a very limited phenomenon (about 10-15%). Thus, physicians with access should consider the clinical efficacy of GHB as a valid pharmacological tool for the treatment of alcohol addiction.

Suggested Citation

  • Fabio Caputo & Teo Vignoli & Icro Maremmani & Mauro Bernardi & Giorgio Zoli, 2009. "Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid (GHB) for the Treatment of Alcohol Dependence: A Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 6(6), pages 1-13, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:6:y:2009:i:6:p:1917-1929:d:5252
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