Innovative Drug Combo Reduces Alcohol Intake and Nausea in Clinical Study

A recent clinical trial led by the University of Gothenburg in Sweden has discovered that combining two existing medications—one for smoking cessation and another for depression—can effectively reduce alcohol consumption and improve tolerability. The study explored the synergistic effects of varenicline, which encourages dopamine release through nicotine receptors, and bupropion, which sustains dopamine levels in the brain. Researchers found that this drug combination notably decreased cravings and overall alcohol intake over a 13-week period, outperforming individual treatments and placebo.

The study involved 384 participants with moderate to severe alcohol use disorder, who were randomly assigned to receive either the combination therapy, one of the drugs alone, or a placebo. The results showed the highest reduction in alcohol consumption in the group receiving the combined treatment, as evidenced by blood biomarkers such as B-PEth and self-reported data.

An additional significant finding was that patients experienced less nausea with the combined therapy, a common side effect of varenicline. Those who experienced nausea had shorter symptom duration, comparable to placebo effects, indicating better tolerability. Andrea de Bejczy, a researcher from the Sahlgrenska Academy, highlighted that this improved tolerability could increase treatment adherence.

This breakthrough points to a new potential treatment approach for alcohol use disorder by targeting dopamine pathways. While promising, further studies are necessary before the therapy can be widely adopted. The findings were published in The Lancet Regional Health—Europe, emphasizing the importance of enhancing current treatment options for this serious condition that can significantly shorten lifespan if untreated.

Source: MedicalXpress