USE OF SEROTONIN SELECTIVE PHARMACOTHERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE

This study presents a review of existing human studies that examine th e role of serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] selective agents in t he treatment of alcohol dependence. Findings of abnormally low 5-HT le vels in many alcohol-dependent patients led investigators to explore t he use of 5-HT selective pharmacotherapy in the treatment of alcoholis m. Several studies reported that the administration of 5-HT selective pharmacological agents to alcohol-dependent patients effectively reduc ed alcohol intake, although results have been relatively modest. The m ost recent study by Kranzler et al. (Am. J. Psychiatry 152:391-397, 19 95) found no added benefit over cognitive-behavioral treatment. Howeve r, the original relationship between the presence of alcohol dependenc e and low 5-HT levels in the brains of patients with alcoholism was pr edicated on subtypes of alcohol dependence. Research has suggested tha t 5-HT plays an important role in some forms of alcoholism that may be genetically or developmentally mediated. Thus, additional studies are needed to determine if treatment with 5-HT selective agents is a viab le therapeutic option for alcoholism, specifically in types of alcohol -dependent patients who are most likely to benefit from treatment with 5-HT selective pharmacotherapy.