Relationship between central serotonergic neurotransmission and reduction in alcohol intake by citalopram

The relationship between the effect of citalopram on alcohol intake and cen tral serotonergic neurotransmission, as assessed by prolactin (PRL.) respon se to fenfluramine, was investigated in 17 male heavy drinkers. A positive correlation was obtained, suggesting that the status of central serotonergi c neurotransmission in individuals is associated with the treatment respons e to citalopram. When the group of subjects were divided into those with hi gh and low PRL response (above and below median. respectively) to fenfluram ine, those with high PRL response had a significant reduction in alcohol in take during citalopram treatment, whereas those with low PRL response had n o such effect. Thus, in subjects with evidence of unimpaired or only slight ly impaired central serotonergic neurotransmission thigh PRL response) cita lopram may have beneficial effect on alcohol consumption, whereas in those with more evidently impaired serotonergic neurotransmission (low PRL respon se) citalopram treatment may have no effect on or may even increase the alc ohol consumption. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserve d.