Biomaterial Database

Serotonin uptake inhibitors attenuate ethanol intake in problem drinkers. 1989

C A Naranjo, and E M Sellers

Clinical Pharmacology Program, Addiction Research Foundation Clinical Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

There are several problems with the drugs currently used to decrease alcohol consumption (i.e., alcohol-sensitizing drugs, such as disulfiram). Their efficacy is unproven, they are associated with toxicity, and there are several contraindications for use. New therapies are needed because alcohol-related problems affect almost 20% of the adult population. A new strategy was developed that involves attenuation of alcohol intake via serotonin uptake inhibitors. Since several experiments showed that serotonin uptake inhibitors consistently attenuated ethanol intake in rats, we tested their effects in humans. In four randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies serotonin uptake inhibitors (zimelidine, citalopram, viqualine, and fluoxetine) decreased total number of drinks consumed by early stage problem drinkers by an average of 20-30%. However, marked interindividual variations in the pattern of response to serotonin uptake inhibitors have been observed, and we have been unable to identify subject traits or drug factors that predict pattern of response. Effects on ethanol intake are distinct from the antidepressant properties of these drugs, and they are most likely due to facilitation of satiety signals. Because of these promising and consistent results, further testing in a therapeutic context is under way. Serotonin uptake inhibitors suggest an innovative approach for moderating ethanol intake in problem drinkers.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D011985	Receptors, Serotonin	Cell-surface proteins that bind SEROTONIN and trigger intracellular changes which influence the behavior of cells. Several types of serotonin receptors have been recognized which differ in their pharmacology, molecular biology, and mode of action.	5-HT Receptor,5-HT Receptors,5-Hydroxytryptamine Receptor,5-Hydroxytryptamine Receptors,Receptors, Tryptamine,Serotonin Receptor,Serotonin Receptors,Tryptamine Receptor,Tryptamine Receptors,Receptors, 5-HT,Receptors, 5-Hydroxytryptamine,5 HT Receptor,5 HT Receptors,5 Hydroxytryptamine Receptor,5 Hydroxytryptamine Receptors,Receptor, 5-HT,Receptor, 5-Hydroxytryptamine,Receptor, Serotonin,Receptor, Tryptamine,Receptors, 5 HT,Receptors, 5 Hydroxytryptamine
D001921	Brain	The part of CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM that is contained within the skull (CRANIUM). Arising from the NEURAL TUBE, the embryonic brain is comprised of three major parts including PROSENCEPHALON (the forebrain); MESENCEPHALON (the midbrain); and RHOMBENCEPHALON (the hindbrain). The developed brain consists of CEREBRUM; CEREBELLUM; and other structures in the BRAIN STEM.	Encephalon
D002986	Clinical Trials as Topic	Works about pre-planned studies of the safety, efficacy, or optimum dosage schedule (if appropriate) of one or more diagnostic, therapeutic, or prophylactic drugs, devices, or techniques selected according to predetermined criteria of eligibility and observed for predefined evidence of favorable and unfavorable effects. This concept includes clinical trials conducted both in the U.S. and in other countries.	Clinical Trial as Topic
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000428	Alcohol Drinking	Behaviors associated with the ingesting of ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, including social drinking.	Alcohol Consumption,Alcohol Intake,Drinking, Alcohol,Alcohol Drinking Habits,Alcohol Drinking Habit,Alcohol Intakes,Consumption, Alcohol,Drinking Habit, Alcohol,Habit, Alcohol Drinking,Habits, Alcohol Drinking,Intake, Alcohol
D000437	Alcoholism	A primary, chronic disease with genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors influencing its development and manifestations. The disease is often progressive and fatal. It is characterized by impaired control over drinking, preoccupation with the drug alcohol, use of alcohol despite adverse consequences, and distortions in thinking, most notably denial. Each of these symptoms may be continuous or periodic. (Morse & Flavin for the Joint Commission of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence and the American Society of Addiction Medicine to Study the Definition and Criteria for the Diagnosis of Alcoholism: in JAMA 1992;268:1012-4)	Alcohol Abuse,Alcoholic Intoxication, Chronic,Ethanol Abuse,Alcohol Addiction,Alcohol Dependence,Alcohol Use Disorder,Abuse, Alcohol,Abuse, Ethanol,Addiction, Alcohol,Alcohol Use Disorders,Chronic Alcoholic Intoxication,Dependence, Alcohol,Intoxication, Chronic Alcoholic,Use Disorders, Alcohol
D012702	Serotonin Antagonists	Drugs that bind to but do not activate serotonin receptors, thereby blocking the actions of serotonin or SEROTONIN RECEPTOR AGONISTS.	5-HT Antagonist,5-HT Antagonists,5-Hydroxytryptamine Antagonist,5-Hydroxytryptamine Antagonists,Antiserotonergic Agent,Antiserotonergic Agents,Serotonin Antagonist,Serotonin Blockader,Serotonin Blockaders,Serotonin Receptor Antagonist,Serotonin Receptor Blocker,Antagonists, 5-HT,Antagonists, 5-Hydroxytryptamine,Antagonists, Serotonin,Serotonin Receptor Antagonists,Serotonin Receptor Blockers,5 HT Antagonist,5 HT Antagonists,5 Hydroxytryptamine Antagonist,5 Hydroxytryptamine Antagonists,Agent, Antiserotonergic,Agents, Antiserotonergic,Antagonist, 5-HT,Antagonist, 5-Hydroxytryptamine,Antagonist, Serotonin,Antagonist, Serotonin Receptor,Antagonists, 5 HT,Antagonists, 5 Hydroxytryptamine,Antagonists, Serotonin Receptor,Blockader, Serotonin,Blockaders, Serotonin,Blocker, Serotonin Receptor,Blockers, Serotonin Receptor,Receptor Antagonist, Serotonin,Receptor Antagonists, Serotonin,Receptor Blocker, Serotonin,Receptor Blockers, Serotonin
D015031	Zimeldine	One of the SELECTIVE SEROTONIN REUPTAKE INHIBITORS formerly used for depression but was withdrawn worldwide in September 1983 because of the risk of GUILLAIN-BARRE SYNDROME associated with its use. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 29th ed, p385)	Zimelidine,H-102-09,Zelmid,Zimeldine Hydrochloride,Zimelidin,Zimelidine Hydrochloride,H 102 09,H10209,Hydrochloride, Zimeldine,Hydrochloride, Zimelidine
D015283	Citalopram	A furancarbonitrile that is one of the SELECTIVE SEROTONIN REUPTAKE INHIBITORS used as an antidepressant. The drug is also effective in reducing ethanol uptake in alcoholics and is used in depressed patients who also suffer from TARDIVE DYSKINESIA in preference to tricyclic antidepressants, which aggravate dyskinesia.	Celexa,Citalopram Hydrobromide,Cytalopram,Lu-10-171,Seropram,Lu10171