Aripiprazole for relapse prevention and craving in alcohol use disorder: current evidence and future perspectives.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Among other approaches, the modulation of the dopaminergic pathway has been advocated in the therapeutic management of Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD). A potential avenue toward the modulation of the dopaminergic pathway across varying substance disorders seems to be provided by aripiprazole, a second-generation antipsychotic characterized by a peculiar pharmacodynamics signature.

AREAS COVERED:

In this review, the authors provided a qualitative synthesis and a critical perspective on the efficacy of aripiprazole in relapse prevention and craving in AUD. A systematic search was carried out through MEDLINE/Embase/PsycINFO/Cochrane Library from inception until September 2015, combining free terms and MESH headings for the topics of AUD and aripiprazole as following: (((Alcohol use Disorder) OR (Alcohol use)) AND aripiprazole).

EXPERT OPINION:

Based both on a qualitative synthesis and a critical interpretation of the evidence, the authors submit that aripiprazole would promote alcohol abstinence and reduce the alcohol seeking behaviour possibly via dopaminergic and serotoninergic modulations at the fronto-subcortical circuits underpinning alcohol reward and craving, impulsive behaviour as well as reduce alcohol-related anxiety/low mood and anhedonia. However, due to the lack of published studies, a conclusive statement about any direct effect of aripiprazole in the prevention of craving and/or alcohol consumption is not possible.

• Authors: Giovanni Martinotti, Laura Orsolini, Michele Fornaro, Roberta Vecchiotti, Domenico De Berardis, Felice Iasevoli, Marta Torrens, Massimo Di Giannantonio
• Journal: Expert opinion on investigational drugs (Expert Opin Investig Drugs) Vol. 25 Issue 6 Pg. 719-28 (Jun 2016) ISSN: 1744-7658 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 27098451 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Antipsychotic Agents
• Aripiprazole

Topics

• Alcohol Drinking (prevention & control)
• Alcoholism (drug therapy, psychology)
• Animals
• Antipsychotic Agents (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Aripiprazole (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Craving (drug effects)
• Humans
• Impulsive Behavior (drug effects)
• Reward
• Secondary Prevention (methods)