Topiramate, brand name Topamax, is an anti-seizure medication that has had positive effects on reducing alcohol consumption by 
alcoholics. The reason for the effect is unclear but it has been theorized that it possibly affects the brain chemicals that are thought to be involved in alcoholism.
The new study addressed the question as to whether topiramate also improved quality of life. 371 patients were given either topiramate or placebo once a day for 14 weeks. Results found that those on topiramate saw improvement in weight, liver function, cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
Of equal importance was the decrease in alcohol related obsessions and compulsions. When coupled with the increase in psychological and physical well-being, researchers believe that there could potentially be a reduction in the risk of alcoholic relapse.
"Our findings," write the researchers, "demonstrate that topiramate appears to be a generally effective treatment for alcohol dependence because it improves not only the 'symptom' of drinking but also its physical and psychosocial (consequences)."
[Source: YahooNews]
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» Topamax (topiramate) May Cause Birth Defects from PharmaGazette
Only one month after Johnson & Johnson was required to put a black box warning on Regranex and a week after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration rejected a black box warning on epilepsy drugs, research has found that J&J's Topama... [Read More]
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