Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
Here are the basics about each of the medicines below. Only common problems with them are listed.
One or more medicines may be given to:
- Manage withdrawals
- Decrease pleasure from drinking
- Create negative symptoms when a person drinks alcohol, such as headaches
Prescription Medications for AUD
- Naltrexone
- Acamprosate
- Disulfiram
- Topiramate
- Gabapentin
- Ondansetron
- Diazepam
- Chlordiazepoxide
- Lorazepam
- Oxazepam
Prescription Medications for AUD
First-line therapy
Common names are:
Naltrexone
Naltrexone blocks the high that makes a person crave alcohol. It will not prevent a person from the effects of alcohol. It is available as a pill and an injection in a muscle.
Some problems may be:
Acamprosate
Acamprosate reduces the craving for alcohol by stabilizing the chemical balance in the brain.
Problems may be:
- Headache
- Weakness
- Diarrhea
- Rarely, suicidal thoughts
Second-line Therapy
Common names are:
Disulfiram
Disulfiram makes a person sick when they drink alcohol. Alcoholic drinks, foods, products, and medicines may not be taken. If alcohol is used, it will cause symptoms that may last several hours, such as:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Lightheadedness, which may lead to fainting
- Sweating and flushing
- Weakness
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Chest pain
- Rapid heart beat
- Problems breathing
Topiramate
Topiramate reduces the craving for alcohol by stabilizing the chemical balance in the brain.
Some problems may be:
- Headache
- Lightheadedness
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Speech problems
- Depression
Gabapentin
Gabapentin can reduce alcohol use, but it is possible that using it can lead to dependence.
High doses may cause problems, such as:
- Lightheadedness
- Sedation
Ondansetron
Ondansetron is a serotonin receptor blocker that can lower alcohol use in a person who started drinking at an early age.
Some problems may be:
- Headache
- Fever
- Diarrhea
Benzodiazepines
Common names are:
- Diazepam
- Chlordiazepoxide
- Lorazepam
- Oxazepam
Benzodiazepines are anti-anxiety medicines. They are used to ease withdrawal symptoms lower the risk of seizures. They have a sedative effect. Benzodiazepines are usually not used for long periods of time because they can lead to dependence. They may also cause withdrawal symptoms when stopped.
Some problems may be:
- Drowsiness
- Lightheadedness
REFERENCES:
Alcohol use disorder. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:https://www.dynamed.com/condition/alcohol-use-disorder. Accessed September 3, 2020.
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:https://www.dynamed.com/condition/alcohol-withdrawal-syndrome. Accessed September 3, 2020.
Day E, Copello A, Hull M. Assessment and management of alcohol use disorders. BMJ. 2015 Feb 19;350:h715.
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). American Psychiatric Association; 2013.
Last reviewed March 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Adrian Preda, MD Last Updated: 2/19/2021