6-MONTH OPEN TRIAL WITH ZIMELIDINE IN ALCOHOL-DEPENDENT PATIENTS - REDUCTION IN DAYS OF ALCOHOL INTAKE

In an open study, 14 alcohol-dependent male patients were treated with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) Zimelidine, 200 mg daily, for six months. They were given psychosocial therapy before and during the study. The number of days of alcohol intake was statistica lly significantly reduced from a mean of 14 days per month before to 1 -5 days during drug treatment. No effect was observed on the amount of daily alcohol intake on drinking days. No tolerance to the effect of Zimelidine was observed during the study. The findings suggest an effe ct of combined psychosocial support with SSRI treatment that seems to be of clinical significance.