The therapeutic potential of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid for alcohol dependence: balancing the risks and benefits. A focus on clinical data

Giovanni Addolorato Catholic University of Rome, Institute of Internal Medicine, L.o A. Gemelli 8, I-00168 Rome, Italy +39 06 3015 4334; +39 06 3550 2775; [email protected]

, MD,

Lorenzo Leggio Catholic University of Rome, Institute of Internal Medicine, L.o A. Gemelli 8, I-00168 Rome, Italy +39 06 3015 4334; +39 06 3550 2775; [email protected]; Brown University Medical School, Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Providence (RI), USA

, MD MSc,

Anna Ferrulli Catholic University of Rome, Institute of Internal Medicine, L.o A. Gemelli 8, I-00168 Rome, Italy +39 06 3015 4334; +39 06 3550 2775; [email protected]

, MD,

Fabio Caputo SS Annunziata Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine, Cento (FE), Italy

, MD PhD &

Antonio Gasbarrini Catholic University of Rome, Medical Pathology, Rome, Italy

, MD

Abstract

There is an increasing interest in studying the role of GABAergic medications in the treatment of alcohol dependence. The GABAergic drug gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) has been investigated in Europe as a possible treatment for alcohol dependence. In some European Countries, GHB has been approved as a treatment for alcohol dependence. However, this drug has also shown addictive properties, therefore raising questions about its safety in treating alcohol-dependent subjects. More recent research is focusing on the possibility of identifying alcohol-dependent subtypes without risk of developing GHB abuse. Finally, GHB and naltrexone combined together represent a possible approach deserving future investigations.

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