Use of Anti-Craving Agents in Soldiers with Alcohol Dependence Syndrome

BackgroundIn a search for an effective ‘anti-alcohol pill’, three modern anti-craving agents have been studied in alcoholics of Army/ DSC, Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard.Methods129 patients of alcohol dependence syndrome were randomly assigned to three groups where topiramate, acamprosate and naltrexone were used as anti-craving agents in a year long prospective study. Of these 92 patients completed the study.Result and ConclusionTopiramate (76.3%) appears to be significantly more effective (p<0.01) in sustaining abstinence, though naltrexone (57.7%) and acamprosate (60.70%) offer moderate relapse-prevention efficacy. Side effects of all the three agents have been mild, transient and self-limiting. We recommend a trial of topiramate, before invaliding out of any alcoholic soldier.