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NEW MEDICINAL TREATMENTS, RESEARCH TRACKS
Drug treatments are currently being developed with the aim of offering alternatives to abstinence in the form of reduced consumption.
THE NALMENEUM IS REIMBURSED
Since February 2013, nalmefen (Selincro®) has been granted a European marketing authorization for the treatment of alcohol dependence.
It has been repaid by the Social Security since September 2014.
This medication works on the reward system by decreasing the irrepressible urge to drink.
It is not about abstinence but about a decrease in consumption. It should be taken on time, whenever the patient anticipates a risk of drinking alcohol.
BACLOFENE: TEMPORARY USE RECOMMENDATION
Originally, baclofen (Liorésal®, Baclofen Zentiva®) is indicated for the treatment of muscle contractures of neurological origin.
In recent years, several studies have shown that with doses higher than those usually used, baclofen acts on the release of dopamine and reduces the pleasure of alcohol consumption. It would make him indifferent to alcohol and would allow to have a controlled consumption, even to be abstinent.
Many alcohol-dependent patients wished to benefit from baclofen, and its prescription thus developed without marketing authorization (AMM) for this indication.
In order to frame these prescriptions and to set up a follow-up of the patients, the ANSM granted on 14 March 2014 a Temporary Use Recommendation (RTU). Valid for 3 years, it defines the conditions of prescription of baclofen (patients able to benefit from the treatment, dosages, prescribers, contraindications ...).
In parallel, two clinical trials are currently underway in France, authorized by the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines (ANSM). Their results will make it possible to study the setting up of a possible MA of baclofen for the treatment of alcohol dependence.
SODIUM OXYBATE: A CLINICAL TRIAL IN PROGRESS
Sodium oxybate (Xyrem®) is originally indicated for the treatment of chronic sleep disorders.
Sodium oxybate acts on the release of dopamine. Its mechanism of action has led to believe that it might have a potential interest in maintaining abstinence and preventing withdrawal syndrome. To date, studies conducted at the international level do not make it possible to make a definite decision on the relationship between the benefits and risks of this molecule. A clinical trial is currently underway to obtain a marketing authorization in France for the treatment of alcohol dependence.
While these new medicines offer innovative care opportunities, they have not yet been proven and not all side effects are known. Anyway, they will never be the miracle solution to alcohol dependence. Individualized psychological, social and medical care remains fundamental to the care process and must always be combined with medication to accompany the person in his recovery and rebuilding his balance.
While there are drugs to cure Alcoholism, we still prefer to do it in a step by step manner. All details about alcoholism and how to cure it can be found in Alcohol Free Forever. Contact Us if you have any questions regarding this matter.
Drug treatments are currently being developed with the aim of offering alternatives to abstinence in the form of reduced consumption.
THE NALMENEUM IS REIMBURSED
Since February 2013, nalmefen (Selincro®) has been granted a European marketing authorization for the treatment of alcohol dependence.
It has been repaid by the Social Security since September 2014.
This medication works on the reward system by decreasing the irrepressible urge to drink.
It is not about abstinence but about a decrease in consumption. It should be taken on time, whenever the patient anticipates a risk of drinking alcohol.
BACLOFENE: TEMPORARY USE RECOMMENDATION
Originally, baclofen (Liorésal®, Baclofen Zentiva®) is indicated for the treatment of muscle contractures of neurological origin.
In recent years, several studies have shown that with doses higher than those usually used, baclofen acts on the release of dopamine and reduces the pleasure of alcohol consumption. It would make him indifferent to alcohol and would allow to have a controlled consumption, even to be abstinent.
Many alcohol-dependent patients wished to benefit from baclofen, and its prescription thus developed without marketing authorization (AMM) for this indication.
In order to frame these prescriptions and to set up a follow-up of the patients, the ANSM granted on 14 March 2014 a Temporary Use Recommendation (RTU). Valid for 3 years, it defines the conditions of prescription of baclofen (patients able to benefit from the treatment, dosages, prescribers, contraindications ...).
In parallel, two clinical trials are currently underway in France, authorized by the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines (ANSM). Their results will make it possible to study the setting up of a possible MA of baclofen for the treatment of alcohol dependence.
SODIUM OXYBATE: A CLINICAL TRIAL IN PROGRESS
Sodium oxybate (Xyrem®) is originally indicated for the treatment of chronic sleep disorders.
Sodium oxybate acts on the release of dopamine. Its mechanism of action has led to believe that it might have a potential interest in maintaining abstinence and preventing withdrawal syndrome. To date, studies conducted at the international level do not make it possible to make a definite decision on the relationship between the benefits and risks of this molecule. A clinical trial is currently underway to obtain a marketing authorization in France for the treatment of alcohol dependence.
While these new medicines offer innovative care opportunities, they have not yet been proven and not all side effects are known. Anyway, they will never be the miracle solution to alcohol dependence. Individualized psychological, social and medical care remains fundamental to the care process and must always be combined with medication to accompany the person in his recovery and rebuilding his balance.
While there are drugs to cure Alcoholism, we still prefer to do it in a step by step manner. All details about alcoholism and how to cure it can be found in Alcohol Free Forever. Contact Us if you have any questions regarding this matter.