Migraine Pill Helps Alcoholics Quit: Study

But 20% drop drug over concentration, tingling side effects

By Colleen Barry, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 10, 2007 4:37 AM CDT

(Newser) – A migraine drug appears to help alcoholics quit drinking without needing detox treatment, researchers have found. In 14 weeks, 15% of participants using the drug Topomax had stopped drinking for seven weeks or more, while others reduced their drinking, according to the study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. But side effects like tingling, itchiness and inability to concentrate caused 1 in 5 people to drop out of the study.

Topomax works on inhibiting dopamine, a "feel-good" neurotransmitter involved in addictions. A patient in a previous Topomax study reports being sober for two years—even after he stopped taking the drug. "It's been a miracle to me," he said. "It got the monkey off my back."

Alcoholics had better odds of quitting if they were on Topomax. (Getty Images)

Alcoholics on Topomax have better chances of quitting without symptoms of detox. (KRT Photos)

The migraine drug Topomax helps alcoholics quit, according to a new study. (Getty Images)

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Migraine Pill Helps Alcoholics Quit: Study

But 20% drop drug over concentration, tingling side effects

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Christopher Hitchens defended his notorious drinking habit to the end

Medvedev: To Combat Alcoholism, Let's Drink Wine

'Alcohol abuse stem from other drinks,' he says

3-Year-Old Treated for Alcoholism

Unnamed child the youngest on record for alcohol abuse

New Pill Could Help Alcoholics Have Just One Drink

Nalmefene is aimed at easing, not stopping, consumption

'Drunken' Gene Found

Gene variation causes people to get drunk faster, may stave off alcoholism

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

migraines • alcoholism • alcohol abuse • American Medical Association • off label drug use

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Booze and Writing: the Ideal Combo?

Christopher Hitchens defended his notorious drinking habit to the end

Medvedev: To Combat Alcoholism, Let's Drink Wine

'Alcohol abuse stem from other drinks,' he says

3-Year-Old Treated for Alcoholism

Unnamed child the youngest on record for alcohol abuse

New Pill Could Help Alcoholics Have Just One Drink

Nalmefene is aimed at easing, not stopping, consumption

'Drunken' Gene Found

Gene variation causes people to get drunk faster, may stave off alcoholism

About Us

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Newser By Users

Community

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What is Newser?