nced "positive" effects of drinking (Litten, 1995). European investigators are studying a number of compounds such as calcium acamprosate and report reduced drinking among patients treated with this compound. It is thought to a partial GABA agonist.
A study in Germany is looking at the dopamine type 2 antagonist tiapride which is showing promising results.
The neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT) affects multiple actions in the brain, including regulation of mood states, appetite, and sleep. This diversity of function has been linked to the existence of several specific serotonin receptor subtypes as well as variability in the mechanism whereby receptor activation is translated into neuronal function (Petrakis, & Krystal, 1997). Preliminary studies suggest a relationship between serotonin function and alcohol consumption. Laboratory studies have shown abnormalities in serotonin activity associated with alcohol use, alcoholism, and impulsiveness. These abnormalities are more prominent in type II alcoholics, a group characterized by early onset of drinking and significant detrimental social consequences related to alcoholism.
Among the medications evaluated for alcoholism treatment are several selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors prescribed to treat depressive disorders. SSRIs increase the activit
...