Nalmefene and alcohol use disorder

Abstract

Introduction

Psychopharmacology study.

Objective

To evaluate Nalmefene effectiveness in clinical practice in patients diagnosed with alcohol use disorder.

Method

Descriptive, prospective and observational study with patients diagnosed with alcohol use disorder, treated with Nalmefene during 6 months.

Results

Twenty-seven patients (9 women and 18 men); average age: 47.92. A total of 64.28% with F10 as an exclusive main diagnosis. Drink urge perception at the beginning: 6.37 points over 10.6 months later, 3.25 points. Loss of alcohol drinking control perception at the beginning: 6.03 points over 10. Six months later, it is reduced down to 2.37 points. GGT reduction (from 107.18 to 36.5 U.I./L) and Mean Corpuscular Volume reduction (from 90.2 to 88.9 fl). The average of days/month with binge drinking at the beginning was 16.18 SD (standard drinks); and monthly total of alcohol consumption is 182.75 SD. After a month: 4.6 days and 66.52 SD. After 6 months, it decreases to 4 days/month and 63.3 SD. The results of the Rhode Island Change Assessment scale are: 7.4% in pre-contemplation stage, 70.37% contemplation stage, 3.7% action stage and 18.5% in maintenance stage. Six months later: 75% contemplation, 12.5% action and 12.5% maintenance stage. The main side effects were: nausea and vomiting, 22.22% at the beginning and 12.5% that persist with intakes; sexual side effects in 22.22% throughout the treatment; the 14.8% report increased sleeping and dreaming, 14.8% report restlessness, after six months drowsiness prevails with a 18%. At first, orthostatic dizziness appears in a 14.8%, disappearing 4 weeks later.

Conclusion

Nalmefene is effective in reducing alcohol consumption, with few side effects and good acceptance.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.