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. 2019 Jan-Jun;28(1):44-50.
doi: 10.4103/ipj.ipj_57_19. Epub 2019 Dec 11.

Comparison between baclofen and topiramate in alcohol dependence: A prospective study

Nimmi A Jose  1 , Pooja Yadav  1 , Abhishek Kapoor  1 , Ved Pal Mahla  1
Affiliations

Comparison between baclofen and topiramate in alcohol dependence: A prospective study

Nimmi A Jose et al. Ind Psychiatry J. 2019 Jan-Jun.

Abstract

Introduction: Baclofen and topiramate are GABAergic drugs, and both have been recommended for the treatment of alcohol dependence as anticraving agent. Several studies have demonstrated the effect of baclofen and topiramate as anticraving, but none has compared them. The main aim of the current study was to assess the baclofen and topiramate as anticraving agent in alcohol dependence during 1 month follow-up.

Methodology: After 1-week detoxification protocol, 94 patients were randomly assigned to either baclofen (n = 49) or topiramate (n = 45) for 1-month follow-up. Patients were assessed with clinical institute withdrawal assessment at baseline, and at 1 week, the Addiction Severity Index, ready to change questionnaire at baseline and weekly assessed with Obsessive and Compulsive drinking scale (OCDS) for craving. At every follow-up, adverse effects were also assessed to check tolerability.

Results: A marked improvement was observed with baclofen in OCDS in each assessment as compared to topiramate. With baclofen, 61.22% of patients became complete abstinence, as compared to 37.78% in topiramate group. Baclofen was better tolerated as 24.49% patients were dropped out in baclofen group as compared to 33.33% in topiramate group.

Conclusion: Baclofen has better efficacy and tolerability as compared to topiramate.

Keywords: Alcohol dependence; baclofen; topiramate.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Comparison between obsessive and compulsive drinking scale (obsession) on each assessment
Figure 2
Figure 2
Comparison between obsessive and compulsive drinking scale (compulsion) on each assessment
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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