EFFICACY OF BUSPIRONE IN ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE - A REVIEW

The five published controlled studies on the effects of buspirone in a lcoholism treatment are reviewed. They have been conducted mostly in a lcoholics with comorbid anxiety. Significant differences in favor of t he medication were observed in several psychopathological measures (an xiety, depression, hostility, interpersonal sensitivity, and global ps ychopathology). In only two studies were alcohol craving and consumpti on found influenced. Metaanalysis showed positive effects of buspirone on treatment retention, as well as on anxiety. It can be concluded th at the main effect of buspirone in the treatment of alcoholism is not on ethanol consumption per se, but on associated psychopathological sy mptoms. A favorable safety profile and a lack of interaction with alco hol make buspirone a useful pharmacological adjunct in the treatment o f alcoholism.