Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid in the treatment of alcohol and heroin dependence

We briefly review two double-blind, placebo-controlled surveys conducted in this laboratory with the aim of evaluating the efficacy of gamma-hydroxybu tyric acid in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome as well as alcoh ol craving and consumption in alcoholics. In the first study, acute adminis tration of 50 mg/kg gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, a nonhypnotic dose in alcoho lic patients, resulted in a rapid and significant reduction of the severity score of alcohol withdrawal signs and symptoms that lasted as long as 7 ho urs. In the second study, treatment with 50 mg/kg/day gamma-hydroxybutyric acid for 3 consecutive months (1) reduced the number of daily drinks by app roximately 50%, (2) increased the days of abstinence approximately threefol d, and (3) reduced the alcohol craving score by up to 60%. These results fe ature gamma-hydroxybutyric acid as an effective agent fur the treatment of alcohol dependence. Data on the effect of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid on opia te withdrawal syndrome also are reviewed. Administration of 25 mg/kg induce d a marked reduction of opiate withdrawal score in both heroin- and methado ne-dependent subjects. Finally, we report the cases of adverse reactions to and abuse of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid revealed in a retrospective analysi s of patients recruited in this laboratory over a 10-year period. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science inc. All rights reserved.